E. Howard & Co., of Boston, MA. Model No. 61. A Floor Standing Astronomical Regulator Clock. 212025.
This very impressive floor standing regulator was made by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts. This clock is cataloged as the Model Number 61. It was originally offered in three choices of wood. They are oak, walnut, or cherry. This example is constructed in black walnut and retains its original finish. The color and tones are outstanding.
This is an outstanding example. Like most big Howard regulators, it is not an easy model to locate. Very few large Howard clocks come onto the public marketplace. They are very desirable and eagerly sought out by a number of serious collectors. This model, in the 1880's, would have sold for approximately $250. In comparison, the E. Howard Model No. 5 banjo sold for $20.
This case is constructed in black walnut and features outstanding figured panels and veneered highlights. All case parts are original to this example, except for the applied carvings located at the top of the case. These have been professionally restored. This case is die-stamped with the Numeral "6" in three locations, including the top of the case. The glass or vitrolite dial measures 14.5 inches in diameter. The formatting is painted from the back and has had minor restoration. The heavily brass constructed eight-day weight-powered movement measures approximately 9.5 inches tall, 6.5 inches wide, and 2.25 inches deep. "L.P. Emerson 1876" is engraved on the top edge of the backplate. Emerson was a forman of the Howard movement test facility. His name has been found engraved on numerous other large Howard examples. Dana Blackwell reported that Emerson was also responsible for setting up special trains and escapements. This movement features a Graham deadbeat escapement with red ruby pallets. The escape wheel bushings are also jeweled. The remaining bushings are brass. This clock is fitted with maintaining power and a full Geneva-Stop winding mechanism. This movement retains its original brass top and side dust covers. The front plate is die-stamped "E. Howard & Co. Boston." The keystone and the suspension are die-stamped with the numbers "6" and "147" respectively. The clock has a brass and steel pendulum with a rating nut and four jar mercury pendulum bob. The pendulum is die-stamed on the upper frame "2583", "154", and "10". The correct brass pulley with a five-spoke wheel is numbered "4." The large brass weight is original to this clock and retains its original damascene decoration.
This clock was originally owned by Albert Horton. Albert Horton is listed in the 1870 Boston Directories as a Watchmaker, Silversmith, and a related Craftsman. The case dimensions are as follows: 93.5 inches tall, 30.5 inches wide, and 13 inches deep.
This regulator is inventory number 212025.
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.
