E. Howard & Co. of Boston, Massachusetts. The Model No. 86 Floor Standing Regulator.
This is the model No. 86. This example is constructed in oak. Most of the wood selected features a quarter sawn grain pattern. The finish and color are excellent. This case is decorated with a variety of carvings and architectural details. Carved flutes, florals pyramid caps and beading are used throughout the case design. The two sides the of the upper case section are fitted with glass. The front section is a door that opens to access the interior of the case.
The dial measures 14 inches in diameter and is painted on zinc. This dial fitted with an oak trim ring. The time track is formatted with a closed minute ring and large Roman numerals mark the hours. A subsidiary seconds dial is located above the center arbor. This dial is signed by the clockmaker in block style lettering in the traditional location. The time is indicated by the two open diamond style hands.
The movement is is very good quality. It is mounted to a large iron bracket which is mounted to the backboard. This bracket has been painted gold. The brass gearing is supported by steel shafts. Brass plates frames this movement. They retain their original nickle finish. The front plate is die-stamped by the Maker in the upper left corner and is numbered "319." The plates have also been pierced with multiple access holes and show evidence of other accessories being mounted to it. It is my opinion that this clock may have been originally set up to indicate various minute signals. The extra holes that are present would have been used to secure the electrical contacts. T he mechanism is finely finished. It features a Dead-beat escapement, retaining power and is weight powered. It is designed to run eight days on a full wind. The weight descends in front of the pendulum. The pendulum is hung behind the movement from the bracket that is mounted to the case. The wooden rod is made or seasoned cherry and is treated with a gilt finish. The heavy brass covered bob is wonderfully decorated with a damascened design. Unfortunately, this does not show well in the photographs. The pendulum swings in front of an engraved brass beat scale.
The 86 model was offered as a wall regulator and also as a floor standing model as shown here. This model was first introduced by the Howard Clock company in March of 1888. The first example was sent to the Chicago Office. Interestingly, the Waterbury Clock Company in Waterbury, Connecticut and the Gilbert Clock Company of Winstead, Connecticut also offered nearly identical models. E. Howard collectors would argue that the Howard versions differed in their movement construction. The Howard examples being more robust.
This impressive model measures 102 inches or 8 feet 6 inches tall. It is approximately 30 inches wide and 14.25 inches deep at the base.
Inventory number TT-182.
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.
