E. Howard Clock Company. Boston, Massachusetts. The Regulator No. 13. 220057.
The E. Howard & Co succeeded the Howard & Davis Company in 1857. In 1958, a catalog was printed that respectfully announced the continuation of the business under the E. Howard & Co., name. This catalog stated that E. Howard & Co. was "now prepared to furnish to the Trade the well-known Clocks heretofore manufactured by H & D., as well as the Gold Standard Balances, and other fine work formerly made by them." The new company promised promptness and guaranteed the quality of their goods. One of the new clock models offered in this catalog was Regulators 12 and 13.
The E. Howard Regulator 13 shares a case style that was offered in three cataloged sizes. The largest was the No. 12, with a 14-inch diameter dial and a case measuring approximately 62 inches in length. The No. 13 featured a 12-inch dial and was about 56 inches in length. Lastly, the No. 14 was made with a 10-diameter dial and a case that measures 42 inches long. The cases of all three models were constructed in black walnut unless another wood was specifically requested. In terms of Howard clock production, these three models are early clocks and had fallen out of favor in the early 1870s. Very few clocks are recorded in the surviving Howard order books, beginning in August 1872.
This is the E. Howard Regulator No. 13. It can be a difficult model to find. In the last twenty or so years, less than a handful have been offered on the public market.
This is a very good example. The black walnut case features a modern shellac-based finish that is just like what would have been originally put on at the factory. The surface is pleasing to look at and exhibits some depth. The entire front is an access door that is hinged on the right. It locks closed. This is an interesting aspect to note because only a few large regulators manufactured in this early period feature locks. The door is fitted with large moldings. The upper molding forms the dial bezel. This also conforms to the rounded shape of the top of the case. The bezel measures 17 inches in diameter and is fitted with glass in order to protect the dial. The painted zinc dial is original to this clock and is in very good original condition. It measures 12 & 5/8 inches in diameter and the time ring is 11 & 1/2 inches across. This dial is signed "E. Howard & Co. / Boston." The hours are indicated in Roman-style figures. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned below hour number XII. The hands are steel and retain much of their original bluing. Their design incorporates an open diamond on the end of the hand. The lower section of the door is also fitted with a glass panel that is framed with an additional applied molding design. This repainted glass tablet is decorated in the traditional E. Howard painted patterns of black, red, and gold. The center is left open or clear to view the pendulum. Additional moldings decorate this unusual case style. They provide a three-dimensional visual presentation of the case. The lower bracket, which sweeps back to the wall, completes the bottom of the case design.
The 8-day weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is of excellent quality. The Maker's name can be found die-stamped into the upper left corner of the front plate. Both rectangular-shaped plates are quite heavy and are finely finished. They are supported with four movement posts. The Geneva stop work is located on the front plate. Its' purpose is to prevent one from overwinding the clock. This movement is designed to beat seconds. It features a Graham deadbeat escapement. It is also fitted with maintaining or retaining power. This is a device that maintains power on the great wheel while in the process of winding this clock. This has two positive effects. First, it prevents the loss of time while winding. Secondly, it protects the teeth on the escape wheel due to the size and weight of the 8-inch pendulum bob, which is located at the bottom of the pendulum. The pendulum is carefully suspended by a double suspension spring which is supported at the top of the movement. The rod is made from straight-grain cherry that was appropriately seasoned and retained its original gilding. The bob is zinc and covered with a brass jacket or facing. The face of the bob is decorated with a number of engraved rings that are formatted in a concentric pattern. The damascene decoration is in good original condition. This clock is powered by a weight. This example retains its original cast iron weight. This weight descends in its own channel that is enclosed in wood. The top-facing surface is painted red and provides a backdrop for the pendulum rod to swing in front of. This clock is designed to run for 8 days on a full wind.
This fine clock measures approximately 56 inches long. The bezel is 17 inches wide and 8 inches deep. It was made circa 1860.
Inventory number 220057.
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.
