E. Howard & Co. Model No. 4. Boston, Massachusetts. Wall clock. Banjo clock. 218028.
This is a very nice example of the Model Number 4 made by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1870.
This model is the second smallest of the five banjo sizes offered by this company. It measures a very manageable 32 inches in length. As a comparison, the smallest example of this set is the No. 5, and that clock measures 29 inches long. The No.1, the largest of the five banjo forms, measures a full 50 inches in length.
This case has very pleasing proportions. It is constructed in cherry and retains its original grain-painted decoration. This grain pattern was created with India-ink. The intention was to simulate the bold grain patterns found in rosewood. The finish is lovely and could possibly be original. It has taken a darker tone, and the surface can best be described as heavy. The original shellac has slightly broken down. The rounded frames are fitted with glass. The two lower panels are decorated or are painted from the back with Howard’s traditional colors of black, gold, and red. This painted decoration appears to be older restorations painted on old glass.
The dial bezel is fitted with clear glass. This protects the painted iron dial that measures 8 inches in diameter. The company name and the city location are signed in block lettering.
The movement is made of brass and is of excellent quality. It is weight-driven and features a recoil escapement. It is considered to be an accurate timekeeper. The movement is die-stamped on the front plate, “E. Howard & Company, Boston.” It is powered by the original cast iron weight and is designed to run eight days on a full wind. The pendulum rod is wood and supports a bass-faced lead bob. This bob is decorated with a concentric ring-turned design. Every other ring retains its original damascene design. This is an excellent bob.
This example was made circa 1870.
Inventory number 218028.
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.
