E. Howard & Co., Boston, MA. Electric Clock. 21.5 inch diameter wall clock with a 16.5 inch diameter green marble dial. 213089.

The E. Howard Clock Company entered the new field of electric timekeeping in 1872. They did this by adding electrical contacts to several of their high-grade, weight-driven regulators. This included their varied line of observatory grade regulators. The second category was their line of Watchman's clocks, which they made in significant numbers and was a big part of the Company's business and focus. They quickly added Master Clocks to their production line. These were often outfitted with any number of secondary electric slave clocks. This line was sold through the 1950s. Either 30-second or 60-second impulses typically drove the secondary movements. This impulse originated from the electrical contacts fitted into the master regulators or even on tower clock movements. 

E. Howard was a late entry in self-winding time systems. They produced their first self-winding master clock in about 1904 or 1905. These clocks were wound every minute, and their movements were modified from existing Howard movements. The master clocks were most often in the Model Number 89 case forms. E Howard used a paper tape program system for scheduled bell ringing but never developed any automatic correction. E. Howard was still active as a supplier of electric time systems through 1941. Their interest in the electro-mechanical clock business dropped off before World War II, but they did supply replacement parts as late as 1964.

This is an E. Howard & Co electric Clock or Secondary Clock. The dial is marble and measures 24 inches in diameter. The marble is in excellent condition. Light grain lines give the stone visual depth. The hour figures and minute dots are brass and retain their original nickel finish. These are applied to the front surface. This dial includes the Company's name. It is signed in block lettering across the middle, just below the center. The hands are a simple form. The metal bezel also forms the case. The bezel measures 21.5 inches in diameter across the front. The back of the case is recessed to 18.25 inches in diameter. Because of the construction, this clock was designed to fit into an opening in the wall. The bezel would have been mounted flat against the vertical surface. The Howard-made movement is signed or die-stamped on the front plate. The escapement in the movement is electrically powered and is operated by an electrical circuit. An electrical impulse is sent from a modern computer chip located within the case. This impulse is sent to the movement from the circuit once each minute. The power source is from a standard wall outlet. These movements are robust and work very well.

This clock can be located in any position without reference to convenience in winding, as it requires none.

Approximate dimensions. The front bezel measures 21.5 inches in diameter. Across the back, the case is 18.25 inches in diameter. It is less than 5 inches deep. The Green marble dial is 16.5 inches in diameter. 

Inventory number 213039.