E. Howard & Co. Model No., 10. This is Howard's "Figure Eight" wall clock. 223319.
This model number 10, or the "Figure Eight" form, is arguably one of the most attractive antique wall clock forms in the marketplace today. This example is the smallest of 5 individual sizes, measuring 2 feet 9 inches long. The case is made of black walnut and retains an original finish. The condition of which is excellent, making this a desirable example. This model has been in production for more than 40 years. Over that time, the case design changed slightly. Like this one, the early examples were made with half-rounded moldings applied to the case's throat section. A small percentage of the models we have seen have this additional case detail. Howard changed this rounded profile to a flat molding, and eventually, the throat section was simplified and became flat across the throat surface. This clock has a half-rounded molding.
This walnut case, with its unique and historic finish, is a testament to the craftsmanship of its time. The walnut color, a rich medium brown, creates a striking contrast on your lightly colored wall, adding to the allure of this exceptional piece.
The painted iron dial measures eight inches in diameter. A closed minute ring supports the Roman-style hour numerals. The Howard Company had this dial signed in script. It reads "E. Howard & CO. / BOSTON." Open moon hands will display the time.
The weight-driven movement is brass and of excellent quality. The Maker's name is die-stamped on the front plate, "E. Howard & CO. / BOSTON." The rectangular-shaped plates still retain hints of their original scraping decoration. Four brass posts secure the plates. Steel shafts support the hardened pivots, brass gearing, and recoil escapement. The original cast iron weight descends along the back of the case. The pendulum is mounted from a bridge mounted at the front of the movement. The circular brass keystone is pinned to the wooden pendulum rod. This rod is made of seasoned cherry, and the lower section retains much of its original gilding. The middle of the rod is shaped. The rod supports a zinc-weighted pendulum bob that is covered in brass. The brass is decorated in concentric engraved rings. A damascene pattern decorates every other ring. This is in excellent condition.
The front of the case is fitted with tablets. These feature the traditional E. Howard's colors of black, red, and gold, which are original to this clock. A red-painted weight board is mounted inside the case. It provides a guide for the drive weight. It also protects the pendulum and is used as a background field of color when looking through the clear openings in the glass tablets. The pendulum swings in front of it.
This clock is designed to run for eight days on a full wind and was made circa 1860.
The Maker's set-up paper label is pasted inside the case on the back of the door.
Inventory number 223319.
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.
