E. Howard & Co., of Boston, MA. Model No. 23. Astronomical Floor Standing Regulator Clock. 214105
This very desirable floor-standing precision regulator was made by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts circa 1860. This clock is cataloged as the Model Number 23. The case is constructed in black walnut and retains its original finish. The color and tones are exemplary.
The brass dial measures approximately 16 inches in diameter. It is framed with a wooden bezel that is fitted with glass. The scales, seconds, minutes, and hours as well as the Maker's name, are engraved into the dial's surface. The engravings are filled with black wax, and the front is treated with a silver wash for contrast. The minutes are displayed along the perimeter of the dial sheet. They are divided into sixty divisions. Each of the five-minute markers is indicated in an Arabic-style numeral. The Maker's name is engraved in large block lettering across the middle of the dial. This signature reads, "E. Howard & Co. Makers. Boston." The seconds dial is enclosed within the minute ring. This ring is also divided into sixty increments. Each of the ten-second increments is marked with the corresponding Arabic numeral. The hour dial is positioned below the seconds dial. Each hour is represented with a Roman-style hour numeral. The "Patented / May 11th, 1858" is engraved or displayed in the space inside this subsidiary dial. This date refers to the patent granted to Howard for the design of the Fay Escapement.
This movement is heavily constructed. The two large rectangular-shaped plates are decorated with scraping and are supported by six large turned pillars. The pillars are secured with screws. The front plate of this clock was planned for a Fay escapement and was drilled to accommodate the necessary fittings. They appear to have never been used. The movement is also fitted with three brass dust covers that are secured with thumb screws. Two grooved barrels are mounted on the back side of the movement. This outboard arrangement is very desirable. The two great wheels drive a single pinion, and the winding arbor has uncrossed stop-work wheels. The works are powered by two cast-iron weights. These are supported by the correct five spoked brass pulleys. The weights run in channels provided in the interior of the case. They are not visible. With the power taken from two weights, this movement is designed to run for a 90-day duration. The pendulum suspension hangs from a frame that traverses the gearing on the front plate. This is mounted to a bridge that is secured to the tops of the plates. The rectangular steel frame is connected to the delicate jeweled deadbeat escape wheel and pallet pivots. This movement is also fitted with maintaining power. The temperature-compensating pendulum is constructed with a steel rod and a brass framed carriage. The carriage holds the four glass jars in place. These are filled with mercury. A decorative rating nut is used to adjust the bob.
This case stands approximately 87 inches tall.
inventory number 214105.
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.
