E. Howard & Co. Model No. 10. The figure eight wall clock. 218088.
This model number 10 or the "Figure Eight" form is arguably one of the most attractive antique wall clock forms in today's marketplace. This example is the smallest of 5 different sizes measuring 2 feet 9 inches long. The case is made of black walnut and it retains an older if not original finish. The condition of which is very good making this a very desirable example. The 8 inch dial is iron and retains it's original signature which is done in a script format. The weight driven movement is brass and of very good quality. The Maker's name can be found die-stamped on the front plate. The flat pendulum rod is made of seasoned cherry and retains its' original gilding. The pendulum bob is zinc. It is covered in brass for compensation. The brass is decorated with a number of concentric engraved rings. The rings alternate with a a plain design to a design of damascene. The tablets or glasses found in this clock are painted in the traditional E. Howard colors of black, red and gold. These are original to this clock. The middle tablet has experienced some minor losses to the black. The lower tablet is excellent. The weight board is painted red. It not only provides a guide for the weight or protection for the pendulum but is also used as a field of color for the pendulum to swing in front of. The weight is cast iron and is original to this clock. This clock is designed to run for 8 days on a wind and was made circa 1870.
This clock is inventory number 218088.
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.
