Figural mantel clock - Japy Frères - Alabaster, Rule - 1850-1900

Fireplace clock “Allegory of Industry” – Japy Frères
​Manufacturer and Technical Details
​Movement: Authentic movement by Japy Frères & Cie, bearing the seal "Grande Médaille d'Honneur".
​Origin: France, second half of the 19th century (c. 1855–1880).
​Condition: The movement is operable, including the striking mechanism (strikes on the hour and half-hour).
​Note: The clock runs fast and requires a professional service to adjust timekeeping accuracy.
​Accessories: Includes winding key, pendulum, and original bell.
​Materials and Construction
​Figurine: Made of Régule (a period zinc alloy). The original multi-layer structure is visible: the gray base metal is coated with a copper layer (for adhesion), on which the final gilding has been applied. The natural wear that reveals the copper confirms the age and authenticity of the piece.
​Base: Made of white alabaster slabs mounted on a supporting frame (not a solid block). This is a typical construction for fireplace clocks of this era to integrate the movement optimally.
​Dial: White enamel dial with black Roman numerals, set in an ornate frame.
​Design and Symbolism
​The piece depicts a rare theme devoted to industrial progress: a classic female figure flanked by a detailed steam locomotive and a gear. It is an artistic portrayal of the transition to modernity and, due to its size and symbolism, an imposing collector’s piece.
​An authentic antique object, ideal for collectors or for sophisticated interior decoration.