E. Howard & Co. No., 1 Regulator. Watchmakers', Bank and Public Office Clock. 224127.
This wall timepiece, the E. Howard Clock Company's Model Number 1, is a sight to behold. Its impressive size and design, originally marketed as a watchmaker's regulator and also advertised as "well adapted for banks, insurance offices, and large rooms," are sure to captivate any onlooker.
The E. Howard & Company offered five graduating sizes of this banjo form. This example is the largest of the five sizes, measuring 4 feet 2 inches long and having a dial that is 12 inches in diameter. For comparison, the smallest example measures 29 inches and is called the Model Number 5.
Traditionally, the Howard banjo cases are constructed in cherry and are finished with a faux grain pattern in India-ink. This pattern simulates the rich natural grain structure exhibited in rosewood. This is true of this example. The grain pattern exhibited in this example is in excellent original condition. The frames are fitted with restored reverse-painted tablets or glasses. The black, gold, and red are the traditional E. Howard & Company color combinations. The 12-inch painted enameled dial is iron. It is protected by glass that is fitted into the case bezel. This dial is signed in block lettering by the Clockmaker. It reads, "E. Howard & Co. / BOSTON." This model, again the largest size, features a subsidiary seconds dial. The other four Howard banjo models do not.
The weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is of excellent quality. The rectangular-shaped plates are robust. The Maker's name is die-stamped into the front plate. The backplate is secured to the backboard with brass tabs. The movement is designed to run for eight days on a full winding. It features weight power, a Graham Dead Beat Escapement, a Geneva Stop winding mechanism, and maintaining power or retaining power gearing. The original drive weight is cast in iron. The gilded cherry wood pendulum rod is supported by a bridge that is mounted on the front of the movement. The suspension features two springs that are mounted in brass blocks. The rod can be seen through the clear opening in the waist glass. The bob is decorated with a pattern of concentric damascene designs. The bob can be seen through the clear opening in the lower tablet or glass. A brass tie-down or pendulum-keep can secure it to the weight board. Remnants of the original Clockmaker's setup label remains pasted to the bottom board inside the case.
This clock, made circa 1870, is a testament to precision engineering. The E. Howard Clock Company's Model Number 1 has proven to be a very accurate timekeeper, a quality that has stood the test of time.
Inventory number 224127.
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.
