E. Howard & Co. Model No. 9. Boston, Massachusetts. A Figure Eight wall timepiece. YY12

This very attractive wall clock is called a Figure eight and is the Model Number 9. It was manufactured by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts. It was originally marketed as being well suited for "House and Counting-Room Clocks." Of the five E. Howard & Company Figure Eight forms, the No., 9 is one of the more common sizes to find. This figure eight form is always a favorite form of those who visit our shop.

The No. 9 is the one of the smaller sizes of this model. This example measures approximately 3 feet 1 inches long. The case is constructed in black walnut and retains an older finish. The color is excellent. The front of this case serves double duty. It is also a door. This door is hinged and swings to the right. All three cut outs are fitted with glass. The upper glass is clear and through it, you are able to view the dial. The lower two tablets are decorated with paint. They both show signs of age and are most likely original to this clock. The middle tablet or throat glass is decorated in black and gold paint from the back. The center section is left clear so that you can view the motion of the gilt wooden pendulum rod. The lower circular tablet is painted in the traditional E. Howard colors of black, red and gold. The center of this is also left clear in order to view the brass faced pendulum bob. The lower section of the case has been hit with the weight from the inside and has been cracked. Please note the Howard repair label that is applied to the eight board below the pendulum tie-down. This is a nice feature.

The heavy iron dial on this clock measures 9 inches in diameter and is in very good original condition. There is a small blemish near the hour "V." The hours are indicated with Roman style figures. The Company name is signed below the center arbor in script lettering. It reads, "E. Howard & Co., \/ Boston." This is an original signature.

The time is indicated in the traditional format. The hands are designed with open moons out on their ends. These are original to this clock.

The weight driven movement is constructed in brass and is good quality. The Maker's name can be found die-stamped into the front plate in the upper left corner. The plates a quite heavy and are finely finished. This movement is designed with a recoil escapement. The pendulum is carefully suspended from the bridge which is mounted to the top of the movement. The rod is made from straight grain cherry. Before it was constructed the wood was appropriately seasoned. It now retains its original gilded treatment. The bob is zinc and covered with a brass jacket. The brass is decorated with a number of engraved concentric rings. Ever other one is decorated with a damascene design. The original cast iron weight is powers the movement to run for 8-days on a full wind. The weight descends behind a wooden weight board. This model is fitted with a weight board which is painted red. This board not only provides a guide for the weight or protection for the pendulum but is also used as a field of color for the pendulum to swing in front of. This board appears to be original to the clock.

This fine example was made 1875.

YY12