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 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.
