Pharmacy tool - Corkscrew "crocodil"

This object is a pharmacy cork press (also called a corker or cork press in English), made of solid cast iron, depicting a crocodile (or alligator).
What is it used for?
It was used by pharmacists and apothecaries in the 19th century to compress and soften cork stoppers before inserting them into medicine bottles. By lifting the tail (which acts as a lever), one opens the “jaw,” revealing several conical cavities of different sizes (usually four), into which the pre-wetted or softened stopper is placed. By lowering the tail, the stopper is compressed to fit perfectly the bottle neck, ensuring a hermetic seal. The object was often fixed to the pharmacy counter via holes in the legs.
The crocodile shape is classic for this tool, because the crocodile was an ancient symbol associated with pharmacy (perhaps representing strength or longevity).
Era
Late 19th century or early 20th century (most date from about 1830 to 1920, roughly, a period when this tool was commonly used before the arrival of modern corks).
Here is a complete suggested description for a sale listing on Catawiki (in French, in an attractive and informative style typical of antique listings on this platform):
Title: Rare pharmacy corkscrew in the shape of a crocodile, heavy cast, late 19th century
Description
Magnificent and rare apothecary corkscrew in solid cast iron, depicting a stylized crocodile with realistic details: scales, clawed feet, and a raised tail used as a lever. This professional tool, indispensable in 19th-century pharmacies, allowed compressing and softening cork stoppers to fit perfectly the necks of medicine bottles, ensuring a tight, hermetic seal.
Simple and ingenious in operation: by lifting the tail, the jaw opens and reveals several conical cavities of different sizes to accommodate various stopper diameters. The holes in the feet allowed it to be securely fixed to the apothecary's counter.
The crocodile's zoomorphic form is one of the most sought-after by collectors, as this animal was a traditional symbol of ancient pharmacy.
Material: cast iron patinated by time
Dimensions : Length 29 cm, width 11 cm, height 10 cm
Era: Late 19th century / Early 20th century
Condition: Very good overall, with a beautiful patina of authentic wear (visible in the photos, including a sample plug in the jaw). Normal signs of use for an item of this age, with no major restorations.
Rare collectible piece, ideal for a scientific, medical, or antique item.