E. Howard Figure 8. Boston, Massachusetts. The Model No. 9. 218045.
This very attractive wall clock form is called the Figure 8. It was manufactured by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts. It was originally marketed as being well suited for "House and Counting-Room Clocks." Of the five individual E. Howard & Company Figure Eight forms, the No. 9 is one of the more common sizes to find. This Figure eight form is always a favorite form of those who visit our shop.
The No. 9 is the one of the smaller sizes of this model. This example measures approximately 3 feet 1 inch long. The case is constructed in black walnut and retains an older finish. The color is excellent. The front of this case serves double duty. It is also a door. This door is hinged and swings to the right. The clockmaker's setup label is pasted to the back of this door. All three cutouts are fitted with glass. The upper glass is clear, and through it, you are able to view the dial. The middle tablet or throat glass is decorated in black and gold paint from the back. The center section is left clear so that you can view the motion of the gilt wooden pendulum rod. The lower circular tablet is painted in the traditional Howard colors of black, red, and gold. The center of this is also left clear in order to view the brass-faced pendulum bob. Both of the painted tablets are old replacements and are professionally done.
The dial on this clock measures 9 inches in diameter. The hours are indicated with Roman-style figures. The Company name is signed below the center arbor in block lettering. It reads, "E. Howard & Co., / Boston.” This is an original signature. The "E. Howard & Co." portion is now somewhat weak.
The time is indicated in the traditional format. The hands are designed with open moons out on their ends. These are original to this clock.
The weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. The Maker's name can be found die-stamped into the front plate in the upper left corner. Both plates a quite heavy and are finely finished. This movement is designed with a recoil escapement. The pendulum is carefully suspended from the bridge, which is mounted to the top of the movement. The gilded rod is made from straight-grain cherry. Before it was constructed, the wood was appropriately seasoned. The bob is zinc and covered with a brass jacket. The brass is decorated with a damascene design. The original cast iron weight powers the movement to run for eight days on a full wind.
This clock was made circa 1860.
Inventory number 218045.
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.
