E. Howard Clock Company Marble Dial Clock Model No. 28. EEE-50.
The E. Howard Clock Co originally designed their Marble Dial Clocks for and used in banks, halls, public buildings, hotels, railway depots, church galleries, and all large apartments. Marble was selected as a material and accepted by the public because of its distinctive look. The surface of these clocks is easy to keep clean and is very durable.
The entire front of this case is a single piece of marble measuring approximately one-half inch thick and 2 feet 6 inches long. The marble is shaped with a nicely formed edge that remains in good condition. It is not cracked or chipped. The time dial is painted on the front surface. The time ring measures 14 inches in diameter. Red Arabic five-minute markers are positioned outside the closed and segmented minute ring. The Roman-style hour numerals and the minute ring are painted in black. The Clockmaker's signature, located in the center of the dial, is painted in red. The two decoratively formed tri-foil hands are a traditional Howard design. The lower section of the case features a window fitted with a painted tablet. This tablet is painted from the back and features the traditional colors of black and gold. Also, note the two decorative stars in the design. The center is not decorated so that one can see the motion of the brass-faced pendulum.
This singular marble faceplate is mounted to the wooden case with two large screws in 3 and 9 o'clock positions. The screws pass through holes in the marble into the pine case behind it. The form of the wooden case follows the shaping of the marble. The outside surfaces of the wooden case are painted white. This painted surface has been enhanced or improved.
The weight-driven movement is brass and of excellent quality. The lead drive weight is original to this clock. The Maker's name, E. Howard Clock Co, and its working location, Boston, are die-stamped onto the heavily cast front plate. This movement is also fitted with a Geneva stop-work winding mechanism. The pendulum is supported by a block mounted above the movement's plates. An auxiliary steel rod extends to the top of the case to fine-tune the time regulation. This is done by turning the knob at the top of the case. The pendulum rod is made of wood and is painted gold. The bob is zinc, covered in brass, and includes a bold engine-turned design in alternating concentric rings. This is a pleasing design. A simple device is also used to start the pendulum at the bottom of the case. Push this level side to side, and it, in turn, engages the pendulum rod to start the clock.
This fine clock was made circa 1886.
Inventory number EEE-50.
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.
