E. Howard & Company Model No. 73 Astor House Rotunda Clock. EEE-41.
The Model No. 73 is a special clock in the Howard catalog. It stands out as the only Howard example featuring a black French plate glass dial decorated from the back with a segmented minute ring, gilt figures, and the company name.
The first example was ordered on January 3, 1883, through the New York Office for the Astor House rotunda in New York City. The Astor House, a renowned hotel in New York City, was a prestigious client of the Howard company, and this clock was specifically designed for its rotunda. This clock was made per a design sent to Howard that specified a clock to be built with a black walnut case, black plate glass dial, and gilt Arabic figures, and it was to be wound with a cord because it was to be hung high above the main desk. The Howard company must have liked the design because they included this model in their catalog in four dial sizes. These included diameters of 24, 30, 36, and 48 inches, although they made a custom example with a dial size of 18 inches. The 73 cases were offered in oak, black walnut, and mahogany. Cases were also constructed in cherry, and one example was made in bird's-eye maple. A total of seven "Astor House" clocks were ordered in the first thirteen months. The eighth clock ordered in June 1884 was called a No. 73. Of the first six, the second clock went to the Cotton Exchange in New Orleans, LA. The third clock went to the West Shore Railroad. Number four was a presentation piece, and the last two examples made in the year were sold to the Western Electric Company of Chicago, Il.
Almost ten percent of model 73s were ordered as presentation pieces. A significant number were sold to various hotels and Railroad buildings.
This ebonized oak case example measures 31 inches tall, 33.5 inches across at the widest points, and 7.75 inches deep. The case is ornately decorated and retains its top ornament. The French plate black-painted glass dial is 24 inches in diameter. Arabic hour numerals mark the hours. The Maker's name and working location are presented below the center. The painted graphics on this example are in original condition.
The 8-day weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is of very good quality. The Maker's name and working location are die-stamped onto the heavily cast front plate. This movement is also fitted with a Geneva stop-work winding mechanism and retaining power. This clock is wound through the dial. The pendulum rod is made of wood and is painted black. The bob is zinc and covered with brass. A bridge mounted in the front plate of the movement supports this. A rod extends from the top of the pendulum to the top of the case, where an auxiliary knob is fitted for outside access. This is designed to allow one to regulate the time by turning this knob. This is necessary because interior access is limited. This clock is powered by a cast iron weight, compounded to run for eight days.
This fine example was made circa 1891.
Inventory number EEE-41.
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.
