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 for 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 around 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 by a Roman 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 plates are decorated with scraping and supported by six large turned pillars secured with screws. The front plate was planned for a Fay escapement and drilled to fit the necessary fittings, which appear unused. The movement has three brass dust covers secured with thumb screws. Two grooved barrels are mounted on the back side, an outboard arrangement that 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 supported by five-spoked brass pulleys. The weights run along channels inside the case and are not visible. Powered by two weights, this movement is designed to run for 90 days. The pendulum suspension hangs from a frame that traverses the gearing on the front plate and mounts to a bridge fitted atop the plates. The rectangular steel frame connects to the delicate jeweled escape wheel and pallet pivots. The escape wheel is cut as a deadbeat. The movement also has maintaining power. The clock includes a brass and steel pendulum rod, a decorative rating nut, and a four-glass-jar mercury pendulum bob.
This case stands approximately 87 inches tall.
Inventory number 214105.
The E. Howard & Company represents a significant chapter in American horological history, continuing the legacy of the esteemed Howard & Davis firm after 1857. Established in 1842 in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Howard & Davis was the brainchild of Edward Howard and David Porter Davis, both of whom trained under the legendary Aaron Willard Jr. Their early work set new standards for precision timekeeping and craftsmanship in 19th-century America. The firm’s innovations extended beyond clocks to include balances, sewing machines, fire engines, and watches—demonstrating a remarkable breadth of technical achievement. By 1852, their manufactory was a landmark in Roxbury, as seen on period maps. Following the dissolution of Howard & Davis, Edward Howard’s vision propelled him to become Boston’s leading maker of weight-driven clocks, catering to both residential and commercial needs. Notably, the company played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of American tower clocks and advanced timekeeping systems during the late 1800s, contributing to the growing network of public and institutional clocks across the country. The completion of a new factory complex in 1873 further cemented their influence, with separate facilities for clocks and watches reflecting the scale and ambition of their operations.
The legacy of the E. Howard Clock Company endures as one of the most respected in American horology. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, the company never produced an inexpensive clock; instead, it set benchmarks for accuracy, durability, and elegance. Its clocks became the standard in schools, public buildings, and railway stations across the country, marking significant moments in the nation’s growth. Collectors and institutions alike prize Howard clocks for their superior craftsmanship and historical importance. Today, the E. Howard name remains synonymous with exceptional quality, technical achievement, and an enduring influence on the art and science of clockmaking.
