France. Médaille en bronze "Napoléon III

Important official medal from the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1867, awarded nominatively to Mr. Alcan with the particularly interesting note: OUT OF COMPETITION Copper medal created by the famous medalist François-Joseph-Hubert Ponscarme (1827-1903). The attribution corresponds to Michel Alcan (1811-1877), engineer and professor at the Imperial Conservatory of Arts and Trades. Official documents of the Exposition Universelle of 1867 indicate Michel Alcan as president of the jury of class 55, devoted to the “equipment and processes of spinning and rope-making.” avers Laurel-wreathed head of Napoleon III to the left. Legend: NAPOLEON III EMPEROR Signature: H. PONSCARME F. revers Two winged geniuses supporting a nominative cartouche bearing: M. ALCAN Above, laurel crown. Below, imperial eagle with outstretched wings. Circular legend: UNIVERSAL EXPOSITION OF MDCCCLXVII IN PARIS In the exergue: OUT OF COMPETITION Signature: H. PONSCARME historical significance Michel Alcan was one of the prominent French figures of the Exposition Universelle of 1867 in the textile industries. He is officially mentioned as president of the jury of class 55 and also published works devoted to the textile arts presented at the Exposition. The inscription “Out of Competition” is coherent with his role as a member and president of the jury: this medal is therefore not simply a ordinary exhibitor’s reward, but directly testifies to his role within the international jury. characteristics country: France era: Second Empire ruler: Napoleon III event: Exposition Universelle de Paris year: 1867 metal: copper diameter: 68 mm weight: 158 g engraver: H. Ponscarme attribution: M. Alcan note: Out of Competition The diameter of 68 mm corresponds to the large module used for some official awards of the 1867 Exposition; the Musée Carnavalet also preserves Ponscarme medals of this diameter related to this exposition. condition Very nice overall condition.

Estimate:£5.02

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