E. Howard & Company. Boston, Massachusetts. Wall clock No. 4. 223240.
This is an outstanding example of an E. Howard Model Number 4. It was made by Boston's E. Howard & Company, circa 1860.
This model is the second smallest of the company's five banjo sizes. The case measures a manageable 32 inches in length. In comparison, the smallest model in this set, the Number 5, measures 29 inches long. The No. 1, which is the largest of the five banjo models, measures 50 inches in length.
The Number 4 size has very pleasing proportions and retains its first finish. The case is constructed in cherry and retains its original grain-painted decoration. This graining process was done in ink to simulate the vibrant grain patterns exhibited in rosewood. The rounded frames are fitted with glass. The two lower panels are decorated or painted from the back in the traditional Howard colors of black, gold, and red. The clear glass in the bezel protects the 8-inch diameter painted dial. This dial is signed in script, "E. Howard & Co." The place location, "BOSTON," is painted in block lettering.
The brass movement, a testament to excellent craftsmanship, is of superior quality. It is known for its durability, making it a reliable timekeeper. The front plate of the movement is die-stamped, "E. HOWARD / BOSTON." The brass plates support the hardened steel shafts and brass gearing. The escapement is a recoil. It is powered by the original cast iron weight and is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The pendulum rod is made of wood and supports a bass-faced lead bob. This bob is decorated with a concentric ring-turned design. Every other ring retains its original damascene design. This is a very good bob, and it swings in front of a red-painted weight-board.
This example was made circa 1860.
Inventory number 223240.
The photographs of this clock's movement were taken before servicing. This clock is sold fully serviced and in excellent working order. The movement has been thoroughly cleaned. Any areas of wear are addressed during the rebuilding process. Finally, the movement is lubricated and tested to ensure optimal performance.
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.
