E. Howard & Company Model No. 5-Square bottom wall timepiece or “Banjo clock.” ZZ-29.

This Model No. 5 – Square (bottom) was included in the 1858 E. Howard clock catalog. This model was originally marketed for use in “Dining Rooms, Offices, and small apartments.” Both Howard & Davis and then the E. Howard Clock Company manufactured this model. The vast majority of the examples seen today are signed by the Howard & Davis firm. It is difficult to find an example that signed by the “E. Howard Clock Co.” Based on the construction of the clock, this clock must have been made shortly after the succession of the Howard & Davis firm into the E. Howard firm in 1858.

This Model No. 5-Square is constructed on the Model No. 5 (Standard) dimensions. This example is considered unusual in that the bottom section of the case is constructed with a square box compared to the more common example, which features rounded sides. Very few of these square bottom clocks were originally produced compared to the rounded-base versions. The Model No. 5 is the smallest example of five separate banjo models this firm manufactured. This model measures 29 inches long, 10.25 inches wide in the lower box, and just under 4 inches deep. The dial is approximately 7 inches in diameter. The other four models this company offered were constructed on a graduating scale. The largest of the 5 models is cataloged as the No. 1 Regulator. This regulator is approximately 50 inches long, 20 inches wide across the lower box, and features a 12-inch diameter dial. All models are traditionally constructed in cherry wood and grained with ink to simulate the vibrant pattern found in rosewood. 

This is an excellent example. The movement is made of brass and is of very good quality. It is mounted to the case from the back with a single screw. The brass plates retain their original damascene design. The front plate of this clock is not die-stamped, as is the case with most clocks that share this form. The works are weight-powered and designed with a recoil escapement. This clock is considered an accurate timekeeper for its small size. The pendulum hangs from a bridge mounted to the top of the movement. The pendulum is constructed with a wooden rod. The lead bob is covered in brass, and its motion can be viewed through the opening in the lower tablet. The brass bob retains much of its original damascene decoration. The zinc dial measures approximately 7 inches in diameter. The dial graphics are printed on paper and applied to the zinc pan. This dial is signed in script lettering by the Maker. The working location is printed in block lettering. It reads, “E. Howard & Co. / BOSTON.” The case is constructed in cherry and retains much of its original grain-painted decoration. The applied ink pattern simulates the grain exhibited in rosewood. The glasses are reverse painted in the traditional Howard & Davis colors of black and gold. The black fields have been restored. The gold appears to be in its original condition. The center of the tri-circle in the lower glass is left undecorated. Through this clear section, one can view the brass-faced bob. The pendulum swings in front of a wooden weight board that separates it from the weight. 

This fine clock was made circa 1858.

Inventory number ZZ-29.