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 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.
