E. Howard & Co. Model No. 20. Marble Dial Clock. Boston Clockmakers. TT-82.
The model No. 20 marble dial clock was one of the more popular marble clocks sold. This model was cataloged in three sizes. The catalogs offered the extreme case dimensions of 28 inches square, 36 inches square, and 42 inches square. The company records indicate that other sizes were made. A popular variant was a model that measured 22 inches square. A large percentage of model 20s were ordered as presentation pieces having a name of an individual, public hall, or business painted on the dial. Of course, they were popular in these settings because the dial was durable and easy to clean.
This example measures 28 inches across at the widest points. The case is approximately 4.5 inches deep. The marble selected for this example is predominately a white stone with light grey suggestive veins. The perimeter features a nicely formed edge and is not cracked or chipped. This stone is fitted onto a pine case that retains much of its original white paint on the outside surface. The marble is secured to the wooden structure with two screws. The dial or time ring is painted onto the marble. This dial measures 24 inches in diameter. Roman-style hour numerals mark the hours. Arabic five-minute markers are represented on a much smaller scale. The Maker's name and working location are presented below the center. The painted graphics on this example are, for the most part, in original condition. There has been some minor strengthening to the black.
The 8-day weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is of very good quality. The Maker's name and working location are die-stamped onto the heavily cast front plate. This movement is also fitted with a Geneva stop-work winding mechanism. The pendulum rod is made of wood and is painted black. The bob is zinc and covered with brass. A bridge supports this. It extends to the top of the movement, where an auxiliary device is fitted. This is designed to allow one to regulate the time by turning a wheel with a key through the front of the dial. This is necessary because interior access is limited. This clock is powered by a cast iron weight which is compounded in order to run for an eight-day duration.
This fine example was made circa 1870.
Inventory number TT-82.
$3,250
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.
