E. Howard & Co., Boston, MA. Model No. 69. The engraved brass dial is signed, “THE C. & G. COOPER CO. / MT. VERNON, OHIO. / STAR BRASS MFG. CO. / BOSTON, MASS.” TT-99.
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 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 they offered was the Marine and Locomotive Clock of the finest quality. The basis for this was from the lessons learned at the Boston Watch Company, of which Howard & Davis were involved. In February of 1877, the New York Office ordered 12 marine clocks. These were designed for use in locomotives, steamships, yachts, etc. In fact, for all places where a pendulum clock cannot be used on account of vibration. At that time, five case sizes were being offered in the catalog. All of the cases were constructed in brass and nickel plated. The smallest example was 6.25 inches in diameter and featured a 4.5-inch diameter dial. The next size featured a case measuring 8 inches in diameter with a 6-inch dial. The middle size was 10 inches in diameter and was fitted with an 8-inch dial. This was followed by a 12.5-inch diameter case that has a 10-inch dial. The largest example measured 15 inches in diameter and had a 12-inch dial. The movements in these clocks are of excellent quality. They are finely finished throughout. The escapements are jeweled, and they have adjustable chronometer balances.
This Marine clock features a polished brass case that measures approximately 11 & 7/8 inches in diameter and 4 & 3/8 inches deep. The heavy brass is a deep yellow color with a hint of rose. The bezel is hinged and opens from the left, allowing one to access the dial. The engraved brass dial measures approximately 9 inches in diameter across the time ring. The time ring features large Arabic numerals. The five-minute markers are indicated with arrow points inside the closed minute ring. A small interior ring marks the seconds with a small second hand. The Retailer’s name, location of manufacture, and location of the original purchaser are on the dial below the winding arbor. This clock reads, “THE C. & G. COOPER CO. / MT. VERNON, OHIO /STAR BRASS MFG. CO. / BOSTON, MASS.” This is clearly marked in capital letters.
The movement is of very good quality. It is finely finished throughout with a jeweled escapement and a chronometer balance. It is adjustable. As a result, it will then fulfill all requirements of a chronometer balance. It spring wound and was designed to run eight days on a full wind. This means that this clock will continue to run while being moved. The plates are rectangular-shaped and plated in nickel. The front plate is nicely decorated with a damascene design and is also die-stamped by the manufacturer, “E. Howard & Co. / Boston. / 18.”
This clock was made circa 1880.
Marine clocks were built for ships, steamers, yachts, locomotives, engine rooms, or other places where pendulum clocks could not be used on account of vibration.
Inventory number 212013.
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.
