E. Howard Clock Company Model No., 13 Regulator. Boston, Massachusetts. 218068.
After the dissolution of the Howard & Davis Company in 1857, a catalog was printed in 1858 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 clocks offered in this catalog was the Regulator 12 and 13.
The E. Howard Regulator 13 is a case style 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 a case that measured about 56 inches long. Lastly, the No. 14 was made with a 10-inch 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 seem to have 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. This is a difficult model to find. Less than a handful have been offered on the public market in the last twenty or so years.
This model 13 is an exceptional example. The black walnut case has been protected with a shellac-based finish. The finish has been rubbed out and waxed. The surface is pleasing to look at and exhibits some depth. The entire of the front is an access door that is hinged on the right. It locks closed. This is interesting to note because very few large regulators made in this early period feature locks. The door is fitted with several moldings. The upper molding forms the dial bezel that conforms to the rounded shape of the top of the case. The bezel measures 17 inches in diameter and is fitted with glass 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 original 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 front plate. Both rectangular-shaped plates are quite heavy and are finely finished. They are supported with four movement posts. Currently, the Geneva stop work is missing, which we will restore. Its' purpose is to prevent one from overwinding the clock. This movement is designed to beat seconds, sixty beats per minute. 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 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 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 retains its original gilding. The bob measures 8 inches in diameter. It is zinc and covered with a brass jacket or facing. The face of the bob is decorated with several engraved rings that are formatted in a concentric pattern. The damascene decoration is in excellent original condition. A weight powers this clock. This example retains its original cast iron weight. This weight descends in its channel, which 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 eight 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 218068.
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.
