E. Howard Watch & Clock Company. Hall Striking Clock. Model No. 303 Hall clock. 220007.

The Model 303. (You will not find this information anywhere else.)

This Model Number 303 was first made on March 29, 1893. Seven examples are listed in the Howard records as being produced over a brief period of three years. The first of these examples was cased in mahogany. The dial and movement was used from the Model No. 82. (The No. 82 was first offered in September of 1885.) The dial of the first 303 clock was to be signed, "Mfg. For / The Duhume Company / by / The E. Howard Watch & Clock Co.," and was sold out of the Chicago Office. (The Duhume Company was a jewelry store located in Cincinnati. It is recorded as having the capability of doing some light jewelry manufacturing. This business closed its doors in 1907.)

A second model 303 Hall clock was made that year and sent to the NYO.

The next two examples, numbers 3 and 4, were made a year later and sent to the New York Office in 1894.

The last three clocks were made in 1895 and were sent to the New York Office.

Based on the notes, this clock was most likely made on March (28) 1895.

This very impressive mahogany case was made by the E. Howard Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts. According to the E. Howard Clock Company records that have survived a small number of Hall clocks were ordered beginning in 1893 through 1896. This specific group of clocks is not listed in the known Howard catalogs that have survived. They were originally given the model numbers 300, 301,302, 303, and 304.

This mahogany case measures approximately 8 feet 8 inches tall to the top of the center finial, and the wood retains its original finish. The decorations are finely made to the highest standards of craftsmanship. Numerous decorative details are located throughout the design of the case. The hood or bonnet features a nicely shaped top. Two carved decorative elements are positioned on the outer corners above the upper molding. A large urn and flame wooden carved finial is centered at the top of the cornice molding. A waterfall-carved cartouche forms the finial plinth, and it hangs over the cornice molding and transitions into the decorative vine carving in the frieze section. The bonnet then steps down and in again to form the main structure of the hood. The square-shaped hood door features a glass-fitted tomb-stone shaped opening. The upper panels are decorated with additional carvings. The front corners of the hood are fitted with fully turned columns. These are tapered, fluted, and terminated in Corinthian carved capitals at the top. The sides of the bonnet are fitted with panels. The waist section is pinched like that of a more traditional tall clock case form. This greatly improves the overall proportions of the case. The lancet-shaped door is fitted with beveled glass. Through this door, one can view the two brass-covered drive weights and the brass-faced pendulum bob. The wooden rod that supports this is gilded. Behind the pendulum is the Maker's cast brass name plaque. It reads, "MADE BY / THE E. HOWARD WATCH &CLOCK CO. / 383 WASHINGTON ST., BOSTON. / 41 MAIDEN LANE., NEW YORK. / 34 WASHINGTON ST., CHICAGO." Additional decorative carvings are applied to the front of the case above the upper corners of the waist door on the frame of the case. This door is flanked by smoothly turned and fluted quarter columns. The sides of the waist are paneled. The base is elevated off the floor on four carved feet. They are in the form of animal paws and are applied to the double-stepped base molding. All three sides of the base are paneled. The front panel is decorated with a large oval panel. Around this are additional carved details. 

This dial is brass and measures 13-inches across. A moon phase calendar dial is located in the lunette. The arch is decoratively engraved and engine-turned. The time ring and seconds ring has been finished in silver. The minute and seconds divisions and also the hour numerals are treated with a black enamel. This dial is inscribed "E. Howard & Co. / Boston" on a plaque above the hour VI. The dial corners or spandrels are finely finished with a special design. The hands are in an English pattern.

The eight-day time, hour-and-half-hour strike movement is highly finished throughout. The heavy brass plates are made of specially hard-rolled brass. They are supported and are supported by four turned posts that are secured with screws. The screws are blued. The pinons are cut from hardened solid steel and are drawn by experts to the proper temper. This process reduces friction and requires less weight to drive the movement ensuring many years to the life of the clock. The escapement pallets are ground and polished by machinery, giving them the true circle, producing a real dead-beat escapement and the correct angle to the impulse faces. The movement beats dead-beat seconds and is fitted with maintaining power and let-down clicks. The hours and half hours are struck on a deep-toned coil wire gong. The gong is mounted to a sound board above the movement. The two brass-sleeved lead weights are polished. The gilded cherry pendulum rod supports a brass-faced pendulum bob that is adjustable. The pendulum tie-down is also brass. 

The mahogany case measures approximately 8 feet 8 inches tall to the top of the center finial. This clock was made circa 1895. 

Inventory number 220007.