Heraldic Dragon(Amphiptere) Wall Hook

This model was originally part of my Patreon which is now on hold.

I always prefer it when my models have some kind of practical use or do something even if it’s just a toy. Anyway, I needed a wall hook to hang my work apron from as it kept falling off the back of my chair, so I thought it would make a good project.

BUT it couldn’t be any old hook – it had to have a fantastical theme and be decorative in it’s own right and it struck me that the style of the fabulous creatures used in European heraldry would suit very well. I chose a dragon but more specifically, a Amphiptere which is a type of winged serpent used in heraldry and whose shape makes an excellent hook. Heraldic beasts are often holding things up like shields or scrolls, so I did not think this creature would be too offended by being put to work. I changed the form by giving him traditional dragons wings and more of a heraldic dragon head (rather than that of a serpent) but he has the same furious expression which they all do. Maybe he’s guarding whatever is hung on him?

He is suitable for FDM and resin printing

He comprises of three parts: a body and two wings. He is currently scaled to work as a small key hook:

body: L:22.68mm W: 114.84mm H: 43.51mm

left wing: L:17.25mm W:52.65mm H:53.18mm

right wing: L: 17.25mm W:52.65mm H:53.18mm

The parts are orientated to print flat on the bed but how you do this is up to you of course. I have included a picture showing how the wings should be fitted correctly and the bases may require a little sanding for the best fit.

He will work well even larger.

How do you hang this dragon?

It’s going to depend on what you want to hang off him and what restrictions you may have regarding what you can do with your walls! As the silver dragon is hanging off my studio door (which is hollow) and is only going to hold my work apron, I opted to use those removable adhesive picture hanging tabs. Using 2, this dragon can hold up to 2lbs, which is great for my requirements but anything heavier could cause problems.

For heavier items, I would recommend hanging the dragon off a screw from a wall stud or some other location able to support your requirements (this is up to you to work out).

I have included a version of the dragon body:

dragon_body_hollowed_no8_screw_mount.stl

which I used for my key hook, which is hollowed with 2mm thick walls and has a screw keyhole which will suit an American N08 screw. I would use a strong quality resin or filament. The hollowing serves not only to conserve material but is needed to allow the screw to fit into place.

For extra security I would add in a second screw hole lower in the dragons body: I’m going to do this today and will update with an extra file and a template for the wall

However, should you wish to scale very differently, hollow to your own requirements, place the screw hole in a different location or not use a screw at all, then I have also provided a solid version of the dragon body:

dragon_body_solid.stl

Included is the keyhole body that I used for subtraction, this is scaled to fit a no8 screw.

The wings should be printed solid.

Enjoy the Heraldic Dragon Wall/Door hook!

I have also included a multi material version. It's scaled to a small size so you might want to make it bigger. The body is solid which is fine for using an adhesive wall tab but if you want to hang it from a screw, you will need to add in a hollow and a hole (as shown in the original single material version). If you get stuck then let me know..

(Strictly speaking it's an Amphiptere but I won't say anything if you don't