E. Howard & Co., Model 100. A seldom seen Howard wall clock. 224035.
The E. Howard Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts, made this clock and listed it in their catalog as Model 100. This seldom-seen model was introduced in 1895 with an order placed in August. Over the next thirteen years, they made only thirteen additional examples. The Model 100 is distinguished by its sizable case and decorative details used to enhance this popular case form.
The E. Howard Clock Company offered this wall clock in four different wood species: ash, cherry, mahogany, or oak. This ash-cased example is 3 feet 6 inches long and 19 inches wide. The dial, measuring 14 inches in diameter, adds to its commanding presence. The cabinet is designed with a presentation bracket mounted at the bottom, reminiscent of many banjo clock presentations. Square tapered columns flank the pendulum access door. This lower door is fitted with a large glass panel, allowing viewers to see the swing of the engraved pendulum. Decorative carved ears, in the form of graduated carved feathers, are mounted to the sides of the case below the dial bezel. This bezel opens to access the dial.
The 14-inch painted dial is signed in block lettering, “E. Howard & Co. / BOSTON.” The segmented time ring features Roman-style hour numerals. Spade-style hands display the time. This particular model also features a rare subsidiary seconds dial within the time track. The catalog does picture this model with this feature. This added bonus indicates the movement is special to this example.
The movement in this clock is robust. The last example I saw a decade ago had a standard 70-style works behind the dial. This movement is much larger. The Maker’s name is die-stamped into the front plate in the traditional fashion. Below it is the number “27 – 15.” A Geneva Stop winding mechanism is also located here. Four posts secure the brass plates, which frame support the hardened steel shafts, brass gearing, retaining power, and recoil escapement. It is super quality. It is powered by a cast iron weight that descends directly below the works. The pendulum hangs from a bridge mounted to the top of the front plate. The cherry wood rod retains its original gilding. The pendulum bob is zinc-covered with brass and decorated with an engine-turned design, and it is in outstanding condition.
Of the fourteen clocks recorded in the Howard records, several were specified to have special features—the standard example sold for approximately $40. One example, fitted with a minute contact and regulated to lose a minute an hour, was priced at $70. Another was constructed with a case that would take an 89 movement and featured a 20-inch diameter dial. That clock was $75 and sold to C. Summer Cushing out of the Boston Office.
The E. Howard & Company succeeded the Howard & Davis firm in 1857. Howard and Davis had also been involved in watch and clock manufacturing since 1842. They were apprentices to Aaron Willard Jr. Edward Howard went on to become Boston’s leading manufacturer of weight-driven clocks, including the highest-quality residential, commercial, and tower clocks. In 1882, he retired with a superb reputation.
Height 43”, Width 19 1/4”, Depth 6”
Inventory number 224035.
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.
