E. Howard & Co., Boston, Mass. Model No. 58-12 in cherry. A large wall clock. YY-62.
The Howard Number 58 model is a difficult clock to find today. As a result, we see very few opportunities to purchase this model in any given year. The first orders for this clock are recorded in the Howard records on March 23, 1882. On that date, six examples were sent to Howard's Boston office. Three were made of oak, and the other three had walnut cases. Approximately 50 clocks of this dial size were ordered in its first year of production. This model is cataloged in three individual sizes. The smallest example measures 3 feet 6 inches long, and the dial measures 8 inches in diameter. The middle size is 4 feet 3 inches long and features a 10-inch diameter dial. The case of the biggest version measures 5 feet 4 inches long, and the dial diameter is 12 inches.
The example offered here is the largest model. The case is constructed in cherry and retains a clean, modern finish. Please note the decorative details in the case design. These include reeded moldings, Eastlake-style carvings, radiant fans in the door, and multiple turned finials. The painted zinc dial is original to this clock and features a block-style signature.
The movement is located behind the dial secured to the backboard. It is constructed in brass and is of excellent quality. Two large brass rectangular-shaped plates support the steel shafts that support the gearing and recoil escapement. The front plate is die-stamped with the company name, "E. Howard & Company / BOSTON." The works are weight-powered or driven and fitted with a Geneva stop works winding provision. The Geneva stop work is a device that will prevent you from over-winding this clock, thereby putting additional pressure on the gear train, weight cord, and pulley. The cast-iron drive weight is original to this clock. The numeral "1" is cast into the weight. The pendulum hangs from a bridge that is mounted on the front plate. The pendulum rod is made of seasoned cherry and retains its' original gold finish. The bob uses zinc as the weight, which is covered in brass for compensation. This bob retains its original engine-turned decoration that is in the finish.
In the 1889 Howard catalog, this model is listed for sale at the cost of $65.
This fine example was made circa 1890.
Inventory YY-62.
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.
