E. Howard & Co. Model Number 59-9 Vienna-style wall clock. 224067.
According to E. Howard Clock Company catalogs offered four different sizes of Model No. 59. This particular mid-size version is noticeably missing from their catalog, making it unusual. Records document this model, referred to as the 59-9, only once—an order placed in 1880 and sent to their Boston store, as my brother John discovered during his research of the remaining E. Howard Clock Company records. The case of this uncommon size measures 4 feet 3 inches in length, compared to the smallest version, which features a 6-inch dial and a 36-inch long case. E. Howard offered variations of Model No. 59 in oak, ash, cherry, or walnut.
With high expectations, the company shipped the first Model No. 59 to their New York office on May 15, 1874. They dubbed it "the new number 5," their best-selling banjo model. However, production numbers for Model No. 59 remained low over the 27 years that E. Howard's records survived, documenting approximately 325 Model No. 59 clocks produced. The last clock in this series was crafted on May 25, 1898. In the 1880s, prices for these clocks ranged from $25 to $60. Today, the market occasionally sees the No. 59 model.
The clock's primary case wood is black walnut, which maintains a consistent finish with excellent graining. Howard selected tiger maple for the clock's weight box, showcasing an unusual and attractive grain pattern. The design incorporates ebonized columns and trim moldings. Six wooden finials are elegantly turned, with carvings adorning the three lower finials. The pendulum rod, crafted from seasoned cherry and finished in gilt paint, supports a damascened nickeled bob. A tie-down is mounted at the bottom of the case to stabilize the pendulum during transport.
A wooden trim ring elegantly frames the outer edge of the 9-inch diameter dial. The dial is painted on zinc and features Roman-style hour numerals along with a closed minute ring. The signature appears in block-style lettering and reads, "E. HOWARD & CO. / BOSTON." The open-moon style hands were a popular choice for Howard's smaller clocks.
The high-quality brass, weight-driven movement is engineered to run for eight days when fully wound. The maker's name and working location appear die-stamped in the upper left corner of the front plate. This fine example dates back to around 1880.
Dimensions: Length 51" Width 17" Depth 7"
Inventory number 224067.
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.
