Napoleon III Pendule With Personification Of Industry

A French 19th century alabaster mantel clock, the white enamel dial with Roman numerals within a bronzed metal case, flanked by a female figure wearing the laurel leaf crown of victor and holding a Hammer, the whole being an allegory of manufacture and economic progress presented by its attributes of Hammer, compass, anvil, gear wheel, model of a steaming engine, set square and a book. The alabaster base of breakfront form with a running bronzed band and two griffons holding a chain attached to the central mount of a draped female head. The alabaster socle is adorned by two porcelain badges depicting a Grecian female and a Grecian male portrait 'en grisaille'. The combination of manufacture and Greek revival style leads straight to the 'Exposition Universally' in Paris of the late 19th century, equivalent to the 'Great Exhibition'. The clock is having an anchor escapement, the eight-day movement striking the hours and half hours on a bell.