E. Howard & Co., Boston, MA. Model No. 7. Figure 8. “School, Office and Bank Clocks.” 214112B.
This very impressive wall timepiece is called Model Number 7. The E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts, manufactured it. It was originally marketed as being “Well adapted for banks, insurance offices, and large rooms.” Of the five E. Howard & Company Figure Eight forms, the No. 7 is arguably the most difficult size to find. As a result, this is considered a rare clock and the most essential version to locate if your goal is to assemble the entire set of five.
The No. 7 is second to the largest of five sizes. This case measures 4 feet 2 inches long. This example is constructed in black walnut and retains its original finish, which has been recently waxed and rubbed down. The color is excellent. The front of this case serves double duty. It is also a door. Please note the applied flat moldings that trim the edges of the middle section. Most figure eight forms are flat in this location. The door is hinged and swings to the right. This door is fitted with glass. The upper glass is clear, and through it, you are able to view the dial. The middle tablet or throat glass is decorated in black and gold from the back. The center section is left clear so that you can view the motion of the gilt wooden pendulum rod. The lower circular tablet is painted in the traditional E. Howard colors of black, red, and gold. The center of this is also left clear to view the brass-faced pendulum bob. Both painted painted tablets are in good original condition.
The heavy iron dial on this clock measures 12 inches in diameter and is in good original condition. It is painted with a heavy coat of paint. The hours are indicated with Roman-style figures. The Company name is signed below the center arbor in script lettering. It reads, “E. Howard & Co., / Boston.” This is an original signature.
The hands are fitted with open diamonds out on the ends.
The weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. The Maker’s name can be found die-stamped into the front plate in the upper left corner. The plates are quite heavy and are finely finished. This movement is designed with a recoil escapement. The pendulum is carefully suspended from the bridge located at the top of the movement. The rod is made from straight-grain cherry. Before it was constructed, the wood was appropriately seasoned and gilded. It now retains this original treatment. The 5.5-inch diameter bob is zinc and covered with a brass jacket. The brass is decorated with several engraved concentric rings. Every other one is decorated with a damascene design. The original cast iron weight is impressed with the number 2. This clock is designed to run for eight days on a full wind.
This example retains remnants of the Clockmaker’s set-up label on the back of the door. Approximately 60% remains.
This clock was made circa 1875.
Inventory number 214112B.
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.
