E. Howard & Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Model No. 60 with four jar mercury compensating pendulum. This regulator was sold to Edward P. Lyon of Bethel, Maine. 218145.

This very impressive wall clock was made by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts. This clock is cataloged as the Model Number 60. It was originally offered in three choices of wood. They are oak, walnut, or cherry. This example is constructed in walnut and retains its original finish. The color and tones are outstanding. 

Like most big Howard regulators, this outstanding example is a challenging model to locate. Very few large Howard clocks come onto the public marketplace. Today they are very desirable and eagerly sought out by a number of serious collectors. This model, in the 1880's, would have sold for approximately $250. In comparison, the E. Howard model No. 5 banjo sold for $20. 

This is a large wall regulator. The case measures approximately 6 feet 8 inches long. The upper molding is 27.25 inches wide and measures 12.25 inches deep. The top of this case is surmounted with a fancy crest. It features many carved decorations in the form of swags and fans. The crest centers a single-turned and carved wooden finial. The long door forms the front of the case. It is fitted with glass. This door is lettered "REGULATOR / MANUFACTURED / -FOR- / EDWARD P. LYON / BETHEL, MAINE / BY / THE E. HOWARD WATCH AND CLOCK CO. / BOSTON, MASS." The sides of this door are trimmed with graceful moldings and accents. The sides of this case are also fitted with glass panels. This allows additional light to enter the case. These side panels are framed with robust moldings. Inside the case, the number 12 is die-stamped into the wood. The lower bracket is applied to the bottom of this case. The three wooden finials are turned and nicely carved. They are original to this clock. Through the large glass door, one can view the interior of the case. The backboard is nicely grained and is a lighter color due to the protection it receives from being inside the compartment. Mounted to the backboard is a wooden support for a large brass beat scale. The scale has been silvered and is original to this clock. 

The brass dial measures 14 inches in diameter and has been treated or finished with a silver wash. This is the original dial, and it features a traditional time format. This dial is also signed by the Maker.

The movement is constructed in brass and is typical E. Howard quality. It is secured to a cast bracket that is mounted to the case. Two large thumb screws secure the movement to the bottom of the bracket. These are located at the bottom of the movement and screw into the two lower movement posts. The plates of this movement were heavily cast. The front plate is die-stamped by the Maker. The mechanism is fitted with a deadbeat escapement having the pallet facings fitted with jewels. This movement also features maintaining power. The pendulum is suspended from the back bracket. The rod is made of steel. This rod supports a brass carriage that secures the four metal jars. Each of these is filled with mercury. Mercury is used to compensate for temperature changes. Four jars are used, so the surface area around the mercury is increased. This increased surface area accelerates the volume of mercury's reaction to temperature changes more rapidly than a single jar. This pendulum configuration would have been an additional charge on an already expensive clock. The upper frame is die-stamped with the pendulum number. The number is "345 3426 7." "345" is the number that references this clock to Howard's pendulum book. The second two numbers refer to the pennyweight of mercury installed in the tubes. The clock movement is weight powered. A brass-covered cylindrical weight is hung on the right side of the case and is attached to the cord with a large brass pulley. It is designed to run for eight days before it requires winding. 

This very impressive wall timepiece was made circa 1885. 

Edward Howard was born in Hingham, MA, in 1813. He began his five-year clock apprenticeship to Aaron Willard, Jr. at the age of sixteen. There he met David P. Davis and later formed a partnership under the Howard & Davis name. In 1857, Davis left, and the "Howard Watch and Clock Co." more commonly known as the "E. Howard Clock Co., Boston," was formed. Edward Howard went on and continued to develop a reputation for building wonderfully made clocks. His clocks were more commonly used in the home, office, bank, reception rooms, and in the towers of many publicly situated buildings. Clocks, such as this example, were primarily constructed to measure very accurate time. Such accuracy would be needed by the railroads and, more commonly, college and public observatories. The latter would use a clock like this to measure or track the objects in the sky. Numerous astronomical clocks were sold to colleges and universities across this country. In 1882 Edward Howard retired with an excellent reputation.

Edward P. Lyon was born in Bethel, Maine, on June 27, 1875. His parents were Abial B. and Ella (Verrill) Lyon. He had four other brothers. Edward was educated in Bethel but moved early on to the city of Auburn to learn the trade of clockmaking and goldsmithing. He stayed in Auburn for 18 years before returning to his hometown. Edward purchased George T. Lawrence's business in the Hasting's block in 1910. Here he operated as a jeweler and, within six years, needed more space and moved to a larger store on the Cole Block. In 1913, he married Miss Barbara Carter of Bethel. Their home was located in Kimball Park, where they raised two daughters. He was a member of several organizations like the Bethel Lodge. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time. He is listed as dealing with clocks, watches, jewelry, and photographs. His shop carried various items, including a complete line of ladies furnishings, gifts, souvenirs, books, Atwater Kent radios, and his original line of silver. 

This wall regulator was originally ordered from the E. Howard Clock Company on April 2, 1886. It was made for A. B. Bruneau, a jeweler who owned a shop in Fall River, Massachusetts. His business was located at the No. 2 Granite Block in Fall River. Here he is listed as trading in watches, clocks, jewelry, and silverware as early as 1883. This jeweler sold out on August 30, 1899. I contend that this clock was sold off, and Edward Lyon purchased it for use in his Bethel store. The name "A. B. Bruneau was removed from the glass, and Edward Lyon had his name placed in that location. Based on the value of this clock, Edward Lyon was a successful businessman. This clock was constructed to keep very accurate time and was most likely used as a source for the local standard. Travelers along the Grand Trunk Railway, which passed through Bethel, would have set their watches by this clock. With the introduction of this rail line, the town of Bethel became a rail hub for the local communities. It was also a destination for travelers trying to reach resorts like the Bethel House, the Anasagunticook House, and the Prospect Hotel. The town of Bethel is located in the fertile valley of the Androscoggin River, which provides excellent cropland and tall native trees. Numerous mills set up shops along the river supplying wood products for the manufacture of furniture. With all this activity, it attracted some very interesting people.

For a closer look at the town of Bethel, Maine, please visit the historical society's web page at: https://bethelhistorical.org/.

The picture of Edward Lyon standing in front of his shop was provided by a member of the Bethel Historical Society. Thank you.

Inventory number 218144.