E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts Watchman's Regulator. Model No. 12 with glass jar pendulum. 223134.
After the dissolution of the Howard & Davis Company in 1857, a catalog was printed in 1858 that respectfully announced the continuation of the business under the E. Howard & Co. name. This catalog stated that Howard & Co. was "now prepared to furnish to the Trade the well-known Clocks heretofore manufactured by H & D., as well as the Gold Standard Balances, and other fine work formerly made by them." The new company promised promptness and guaranteed the quality of their goods. One of the new clocks they offered was the Regulator 12 and 13.
The No. 12 Regulator is an impressive clock measuring five feet two inches long, featuring a fourteen-inch dial with a thirteen-inch chapter ring. The case is constructed in black walnut and retains an older finish. The case has been embellished with "REGULATOR," is gold paint along the lower section of the door. It also has an original company set-up label pasted inside the case. The lower glass is painted with black and gold paint from the back.
The movement is die-stamped by the maker. It is designed with a Graham dead-beat escapement, maintaining power, and a Geneva Stop winding mechanism. As a result, these clocks are excellent timekeepers. It will run for eight days on a full wind. The cast iron weight descends behind the mirror inside the case. The full-length pendulum rod is made of seasoned cherry and retains its original silver finish. The bob is comprised of a loaded glass jug. The glass is ornately designed, featuring two colors of overlaid glass and a cut design. The design is cut through the first red layer to expose the clear foundation and the gold-painted lead slug inside of it. The pendulum swings in front of a mirror attached to the backboard.
This clock model first appeared in the Howard catalog as early as 1858. This clock was made circa 1865.
This clock case is approximately 63 long, 19.25 inches wide, and 7.75 inches deep.
Inventory number 223134.
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.
