E. Howard & Co. Model No. 70-12 in a cherry case. 222012.
Constructed in cherry wood, this is a very desirable example. The vast majority of the Howard 70 clocks manufactured were housed in oak cases. This cherry-cased version would have been a special order and used in a less commercial or warmer setting. It is in fine condition.
The zinc dial measures 12 inches in diameter and is paint-decorated. This original dial exhibits a few minor areas of paint loss. The Clockmakers' name is positioned above the hour of VI in block lettering. It reads, E. Howard & Co. / BOSTON. The time track is formatted with a closed minute ring and Large Roman-style hour numerals. Spade-shaped hands display the time. Behind the dial is the weight-driven movement.
The brass, eight-day, weight-driven clock mechanism is of excellent quality. The Howard Clock Company's original advertisements for this model guaranteed that it would not vary more than one minute a month. The movement is secured to the backboard with a single screw into the backplate. Four-turned pillars support the two rectangular-shaped brass plates. Both plates are finished in nickel plating. The Maker's name and model number "70" are die-stamped into the front plate. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions and the brass gearing. The escapement is a recoil design. The pendulum hangs from the bridge in front of the movement. The wooden rod supports a bob that is zinc and covered in brass. A series of concentric rings are engraved into the brass surface. This pendulum bob swings in front of the original painted wooden weight board. The pendulum tie-down is mounted to this board and is used when one moves the clock. The lower door features painted glass. The paint is applied from the back in the traditional Howard colors of black, red, and gold.
This fine example was made circa 1880. The case measures approximately 32 inches long overall.
Inventory number 222012.
The Model 70 was successfully sold. It was used extensively in the Boston Public School System, in the various Boroughs of Greater New York, and in many other places as the Standard School Clock. The United States Government specified it as the "Standard for all Public Buildings." This model is also seen in many of the Nation's railroad stations. Some of these included The Elevated Railroad Stations of New York City, The Pennsylvania Railroad Company, The Central Railroad of New Jersey, the West Shore Railroad of Boston & Albany, and nearly all Railroad Companies throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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.
