E. Howard & Co. Model No. 70. “School, Office or Bank Clock.” 216005.
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. It is reported that the United States Government specified it as the “Standard for all Public Buildings.” One would also see this model 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.
This Howard model number 70 is in good overall condition. The case is constructed of ash and has a very light-colored presentation. The 12-inch dial is painted onto the zinc pan and is original to this clock. The Maker’s name is signed on the dial-in block letters above the numeral “VI.” The weight-driven movement is brass and of very good quality. The Maker’s name and model number “70” are die-stamped into the front plate. The weight is cast iron and is original to the clock. The pendulum rod is made of wood and supports a bob that is zinc and covered in brass. The damascene decoration applied to the brass bob is in good condition. The reverse-painted tablet features the traditional Howard colors of black, red, and gold. This glass has been professionally restored. This clock is designed to run for eight days on a full wind and was made circa 1900.
The case measures approximately 32 inches long overall.
Inventory number 216005.
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.
