E. Howard & Co., of Boston, MA. Model No. 70-12. Cherry case.
This model Number 70 is fine condition. It is a very desirable example having a case that is constructed in cherry. The vast majority of the Howard 70 clocks manufactured were constructed in oak cases. This cherry cased version would have been a special order and used in a less commercial or warmer setting.
The overall color is very good. The 12 inch dial is painted on tin and is original to this clock. It is signed by the Maker in block lettering. The weight driven movement is brass and of very good quality. The Makers' name and model Number 70 are die-stamped into the front plate. The weight is cast iron and is original to this clock. It too features the number "70." The pendulum rod is made of wood. The bob is zinc. It is covered in brass for compensation. The damascene decoration is in excellent original condition. The reverse painted tablet is done in the traditional Howard colors of black red and gold. This tablet appears to be original to this clock. The Clockmaker's original set up label can be found inside the case pasted to the bottom board. This clock is designed to run for eight days on a full wind and was made circa 1890. This clock measures 32 inches long.
The E. Howard & Company offered five different sizes of the Model 70 form. This example is the smallest of the five. The largest and rarest size is seldom seen. It has a dial that measures a full 24 inches in diameter and the case is 4 feet 8 inches long. This smaller size has much better proportions and this form was copied by many of Howard's competitors. The Model 70 was successfully sold. It was used extensively in the Boston Public School System as wells as the Boroughs of Greater New York and many other places as the Standard School Clock. It is reported that the United States Government specified it as the "Standard for all Public Buildings." One would also see this model in use in many of the Nations railroad stations. Some of which included: The Elevated Railroad Stations of New York City, The Pennsylvania Railroad Company, The Central Railroad of New Jersey, West Shore Railroad of Boston & Albany and nearly all Railroad Companies throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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.
