E. Howard & Co. Boston Street Clock. Model No 50. Similar to this photo. 216019
The example we are currently offering is not this clock that is pictured here standing. The clock we have for sale is in fact very similar to that clock and is the same model. Our clock is in the process of being fully restored. Currently, it is disassembled and in storage. Assembling it in order to have a photo taken is not practical. This clock weighs approximately 1,200 pounds and needs to be mounted. Please reviews the photos of the actual clock. It is painted green and does have black dials.
This Street, Post, or Sidewalk clock was made by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts. This very clock was originally installed in front of the Attleborough Savings & Loan building in Attleborough, Mass. The business began in and was incorporated in 1860. It remained there until 1903, when they moved to their new location at 48 North Washington Street. During the 1920s, after the banks had moved on, a one-story addition was built out from the front of the building's Italianate facade. Over the ensuing decades, this addition has been the home to a variety of business ventures. The National Bank Building is one of 31 buildings in the North Attleborough Town Center Historic District that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This is a large double-dial example. The overall height is 15 feet. There is room above the dial in the area that is referred to as the "ornament." This area is left plain, so one can insert a name or a street number in this location. The two dials measure approximately 36 inches in diameter. They are metal "Day" dials. The term day dial means that they are painted black and are easy to read during daylight hours. The lettering and numerals are finished in gold. Both dials are signed "E. Howard & Co., / Boston." The time is indicated with two large spade-shaped hands. These are also finished in gilt paint. This case is currently in the process of being restored. The post has been dissembled and sandblasted. The metal has been powder coated. It will then be prepared for paint. The case, painted in green, is highlighted with gold accents. This work is being done by a professional who has restored a number of other quality examples.
The movement or the works have also been fully serviced. They are located in the base of the post. This is a weight-driven mechanism that requires winding once a week. The plates are pierced and retain much of their original paint. They are painted green and are decorated with pin-striping. This remains in very good original condition. The pendulum swings in the front of the movement. It is constructed with a long wooden rod and a heavy cast iron bob in the form of a disk. The serial number "3495" is stamped above the suspension.
Inventory number 216019.
The E. Howard & Company represents a significant chapter in American horological history, continuing the legacy of the esteemed Howard & Davis firm after 1857. Established in 1842 in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Howard & Davis was the brainchild of Edward Howard and David Porter Davis, both of whom trained under the legendary Aaron Willard Jr. Their early work set new standards for precision timekeeping and craftsmanship in 19th-century America. The firm’s innovations extended beyond clocks to include balances, sewing machines, fire engines, and watches—demonstrating a remarkable breadth of technical achievement. By 1852, their manufactory was a landmark in Roxbury, as seen on period maps. Following the dissolution of Howard & Davis, Edward Howard’s vision propelled him to become Boston’s leading maker of weight-driven clocks, catering to both residential and commercial needs. Notably, the company played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of American tower clocks and advanced timekeeping systems during the late 1800s, contributing to the growing network of public and institutional clocks across the country. The completion of a new factory complex in 1873 further cemented their influence, with separate facilities for clocks and watches reflecting the scale and ambition of their operations.
The legacy of the E. Howard Clock Company endures as one of the most respected in American horology. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, the company never produced an inexpensive clock; instead, it set benchmarks for accuracy, durability, and elegance. Its clocks became the standard in schools, public buildings, and railway stations across the country, marking significant moments in the nation’s growth. Collectors and institutions alike prize Howard clocks for their superior craftsmanship and historical importance. Today, the E. Howard name remains synonymous with exceptional quality, technical achievement, and an enduring influence on the art and science of clockmaking.
