E. Howard & Company Boston, MA. Model No. 75 wall clock in mahogany. EEE-34.
The E. Howard Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts, made this clock and listed it in their catalog as Model 75. This wonderfully decorated wall clock model was created by the Howard Clock Company in April 1884, when six mahogany examples were made for the New York Office. Over the next thirteen years, a number of these timepieces found their way into various government buildings and other esteemed locations. The Model 75, with its unique case form and intricate decorative details, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of its time.
This Number 75 is constructed in mahogany and retains its first finish. The surfaces have been well-maintained and clean, enhancing the tones of this premium wood. The case design incorporates various Eastlake designs, including a reeded detail on many of the linear runs and a design of concentric circles. Another interesting decorative element is the carved holly leaves on the upper door in the spandrel locations. The lower door features a pressed daisy decoration. All of the finials appear to be original. The original Howard paper setup instructions is pasted on the front of the black-painted wooden weightboard. The lower door frame is fitted with a glass tablet. This is paint-decorated from the back in the traditional Howard color combinations of black, gold, and red. An opening in the design allows one to view the decorated brass pendulum bob through the glass panel.
The painted zinc dial measures 12 inches in diameter. A segmented minute ring frames the Roman-style hour numerals. The dial is signed in block lettering, "E. Howard & Co. / BOSTON." Spade-shaped hands depict the time.
The brass, eight-day, weight-driven clock mechanism is of excellent quality. The Howard Clock Company guaranteed this model not to vary more than one minute a month. The movement is secured in the case with a single screw that threads thru the backboard and into the backplate. The Maker's name and model number "70" are die-stamped into the front plate. Four-turned pillars support the two rectangular-shaped brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions, brass gearing, and recoil escapement. The pendulum hangs from the bridge on the front of the movement. A painted wooden cherry rod supports a zinc bob and is covered in brass. The brass covering retains its original damascene design. The bob swings in front of the black-painted wooden weight board.
This example was made circa 1885 and is an excellent example. It measures approximately 32 inches long.
Inventory number EEE-34.
The E. Howard & Company represents a significant chapter in American horological history, continuing the legacy of the esteemed Howard & Davis firm after 1857. Established in 1842 in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Howard & Davis was the brainchild of Edward Howard and David Porter Davis, both of whom trained under the legendary Aaron Willard Jr. Their early work set new standards for precision timekeeping and craftsmanship in 19th-century America. The firm’s innovations extended beyond clocks to include balances, sewing machines, fire engines, and watches—demonstrating a remarkable breadth of technical achievement. By 1852, their manufactory was a landmark in Roxbury, as seen on period maps. Following the dissolution of Howard & Davis, Edward Howard’s vision propelled him to become Boston’s leading maker of weight-driven clocks, catering to both residential and commercial needs. Notably, the company played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of American tower clocks and advanced timekeeping systems during the late 1800s, contributing to the growing network of public and institutional clocks across the country. The completion of a new factory complex in 1873 further cemented their influence, with separate facilities for clocks and watches reflecting the scale and ambition of their operations.
The legacy of the E. Howard Clock Company endures as one of the most respected in American horology. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, the company never produced an inexpensive clock; instead, it set benchmarks for accuracy, durability, and elegance. Its clocks became the standard in schools, public buildings, and railway stations across the country, marking significant moments in the nation’s growth. Collectors and institutions alike prize Howard clocks for their superior craftsmanship and historical importance. Today, the E. Howard name remains synonymous with exceptional quality, technical achievement, and an enduring influence on the art and science of clockmaking.
