E. Howard & Co. Model No. 3. Wall timepiece. Boston, Massachusetts. 221219.
This is a very nice example of E. Howard's Model Number 3.
The E. Howard & Company offered five sizes of this very popular Banjo form. This example is the middle size of the five and measures 39 inches in length. The dial is 9-inches in diameter. For comparison, the largest Howard banjo model is the number 1. This regulator is 50 inches long. The number 5 size measures 29 inches in length and is the smallest of the five.
This number 3 size has very pleasing proportions. Traditionally, Howard Clock Company constructed their banjo cases in cherry and faux-grained with India ink. The faux grain pattern is applied to the cases to simulate the bold grain patterns naturally exhibited in rosewood. The finish exhibited on this clock is in excellent condition and is original to the clock. The dial bezel and the two half-rounded frames are fitted with glass. The two lower panels are paint-decorated from the back in the traditional E. Howard colors of black, gold, and red. The wooden dial bezel is fitted with clear glass. The glass protects the 9-inch diameter dial and the hands. This original dial is painted on an iron dial sheet. The company name and city location are signed in script lettering. The movement is made of brass and is of excellent quality. It weight driven and features a recoil escapement. It is considered to be an accurate timekeeper for its' small size. The front plate of the clockworks is die-stamped on the front plate, "E. Howard & Company / Boston." This movement is weight-driven by the original cast iron weight and is designed to run for eight days fully wound. The pendulum rod is wood and supports a brass-faced lead bob. This bob is decorated with a concentric ring-turned design.
This example was made circa 1870.
Inventory number 221219.
The E. Howard & Company succeeded the Howard & Davis firm in 1857. The Howard & Davis firm was comprised of Edward Howard and David Porter Davis and was established in 1842 in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Both men had just completed their clock apprenticeship under the guidance of Aaron Willard Jr in Boston. The Howard & Davis firm made high-grade clocks, precision balances, sewing machines, fire engines, and watches. After the dissolution of Howard & Davis, Edward Howard became Boston's leading manufacturer of weight-driven residential and commercial clocks. The firm also made a large number of tower clocks and watchman and salve clock systems. These sold well in the last quarter of the 1800s.
It has been said that the E. Howard Clock company never made an inexpensive clock, and everything they made was of very good quality. As a result, Howard clocks have become very collectible and are prized by their owners. Today, the E. Howard name enjoys outstanding name recognition.
For a more in-depth reading of Edward Howard and his various businesses, please read "Willard's Patent Time Pieces," written by Paul Foley.
