E. Howard & Co., Boston, Massachusetts. The Model No. 5. 224002.
This Model Number 5 is an attractive timepiece. It was made by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts.
The E. Howard Clock Company offered five sizes of this very popular banjo form. This example is the smallest of the five, measuring 29 inches long, and is the most commonly found. For comparison, the largest Howard banjo size is cataloged by Howard as the Model Number 1. Its case measures 50 inches in length.
The Number 5 size has very pleasing proportions, measuring approximately 29 inches long. Its compact size makes it easy to hang in a variety of settings. The case is constructed in cherry and retains its original grained-painted decoration. This decoration is in outstanding condition. (Howard banjo clock cases were originally faux-grained with India ink applied with a feather. This artistic process simulates the rich look of the grain found in rosewood.) The frames are fitted with restored reverse-painted tablets or glasses. They feature Howard’s traditional color combination of black, gold, and red. The circular wooden dial bezel is fitted with glass and protects the dial and hands.
The painted iron dial measures seven inches in diameter and is wonderfully signed in script format. A closed minute ring and Roman-style hour numerals are painted along the dial’s perimeter. Open moon hands display the time.
The weight-driven movement is made of brass and is of excellent quality. It is a very accurate timekeeper for its small size. Both plates retain their original spotted damscene design. The front plate is die-stamped, “E. Howard & Company / BOSTON.” Hardened shafts support steel pinions, trass gearing, and a recoil escapement. The original drive weight is cast iron. The pendulum hangs from a bridge mounted on the front of the movement. The original wooden rod, painted back, supports the brass bob that retains its original ring-turned design. Alternate rings are decorated with damascene. The bob swings in front of the original red-painted weightboard. The pendulum teidown is also mounted on this board.
Inside the case, the maker’s original setup label is pasted onto the bottom board. This board is also die-stamped “11” on the leading edge.
This clock was made circa 1860 and is an outstanding early example.
Inventory number 224002.
The photos of this clock were taken in "as bought" condition. The servicing of the movement is included in the sales process. We fully service the clocks we sell before they are delivered.
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.
