E. Howard & Co., Boston, Massachusetts Model No. 58-8 in oak. 224033.
The E. Howard Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts, made this attractive wall clock. They cataloged it as the "Model 58." This model has become increasingly challenging to find in today's marketplace. Its clean and simple lines make it a desirable model sought after by dealers and collectors alike. The Model 58 was manufactured from the 1880s through the mid-1890s and was offered in three different sizes; this is the smallest of the three, with the case measuring 3 feet 4 inches long with an 8-inch dial.
The case is constructed in oak and is finished in a honey color shellac. The case sides are paneled. Reeded columns front the corners. Four wood-turned finials adorn the top of the case. The gallery is designed with a saw tooth molding at the back. The front is decorated with carvings. Two additional finials are mounted to the bottom of the case. The front of the case serves double duty as a door. The top section is carved, featuring four carved quartered sunbursts that frame the dial aperture. The lower section is fitted with glass for viewing the swing of the engraved pendulum.
The painted zinc dial is 8 inches in diameter. The time ring features a closed minute ring and Roman-style hour numerals. The original block-style signature reads, "E. HOWARD & CO. / BOSTON." Open moon-style hands display the time.
The quality, weight-driven movement is made of brass and designed to run for eight days. The Maker's name and working location are die-stamped on the front plate. The silver-finished pendulum rod is made from seasoned cherry. The bob is zinc-covered in brass for compensation. It has also been silvered and is decorated with an engine-turned design. This design remains in outstanding original condition.
This clock case is 40 long, 1.5 inches wide, and 5.75 inches deep.
Inventory 224033.
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.
