E. Howard Clock Company Model No. 14. Boston, Massachusetts. 224034.
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, 13, and 14.
The E. Howard Regulator 14 case style was offered in three cataloged sizes. The largest was the Regulator No. 12. It featured a seconds beating movement, a 14-inch diameter dial, and a case that measures approximately 62 inches long. The No. 13 featured a 12-inch dial and a case that measured approximately 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. Reviewing the available Howard clock production records, these three early models had fallen out of favor in the early 1870s. Very few clocks are recorded in the surviving Howard order books, beginning in August 1872.
The E. Howard Regulator No. 14 is a difficult model to find. Few have been offered on the public market in the last twenty years.
This is an excellent example, measuring approximately 42 inches long. The black walnut case retains an older finish enhanced by cleaning and waxing the surface. The color is excellent. The front of the case is actually a door. This door is hinged on the right. It features two glass sections framed with decorative moldings. The turned wooden dial bezel is fitted with clear glass to protect and view the dial. The lower glass is painted in the traditional colors black, gold, and red. The painted design is formatted so that one can view the pendulum bob and the gilded wooden pendulum rod. All of this provides a colorful presentation. A spring-loaded lock on the left side of the case secures the door. One can access the dial, hands, and pendulum by opening this door.
The painted iron dial measures 10 inches in diameter. A closed and segmented minute ring frames the Roman-style hour numerals. This dial is signed “E. Howard & Co. / BOSTON.” This is an original script signature. The open moon-shaped hands indicate the time.
The brass-made movement is of excellent quality. Two rectangular-shaped plates support the steel shafts, brass gearing, and recoil escapement. The front plate is die-stamped with the Maker’s name and working location. It reads, “E. Howard & Co./ BOSTON.” The works are weight-driven and designed to run for eight days once fully wound. The pendulum is constructed with a seasoned cherry rod that retains its original gilding. This rod supports a brass-faced lead bob. The brass is decorated with a damascene design. This is in outstanding condition. All Howard movements are considered excellent timekeepers.
This clock was designed for excellent service. It was made circa 1860.
Inventory number 224034.
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.
