Howard & Davis Model No. 3 wall clock. The lower door frame is stamped on the inside with the initials,“ U.S.L.H.E.” This stands for the United States Light House Establishment. 216097.
The U. S. Lighthouse Service is known to have purchased a number of clocks from Howard & Davis, the E. Howard & Company, the Chelsea Clock Company, and the Seth Thomas Clock Company to install in their properties. Several of these clocks were put into service in the lighthouses and used by the lighthouse keepers. A small number of the clocks that the Service purchased are identifiable by a stamping inside the case or occasionally by lettering on the lower tablet. Identifying a clock as having served in the Service adds to the interest and the collectability of a particular example.
The United States Light House Establishment (USLHE) was created and operated under the Department of Treasury in 1789. Shortly after, all U. S. lighthouse ownership was transferred to the government. Individual states operated the twelve lighthouses that existed at the time. These were taken over, and their maintenance cost was now the Treasury's responsibility.
This Model No. 3 wall timepiece or banjo clock is nicely proportioned, measuring 3 feet 2 inches long. The case is constructed in cherry and retains its faux graining. The graining is added on Howard & Davis banjo clocks. It is Indian ink that is said to have been applied with a feather at the factory. This decorative treatment is concentrated on the frames and provides the cherry case the appearance of being built in rosewood. The finish is quite good and is original to this example.
The zinc dial measures 9 inches in diameter. The Makers sign the dial in the appropriate location.
Behind this dial, the case is fitted with a weight-driven movement. This is mounted to the case with a single screw. The heavy plates are slightly tapered, narrowing at the top. The weight is cast iron. The pendulum rod is made of seasoned cherry and retains its original black paint. The bob is zinc covered in brass. This swings in front of a brass swing indicator that is mounted onto a wooden weight board. Both painted tablets are original to this clock and are in very good original condition. This clock was made circa 1850.
The Howard & Davis firm was formed in 1847 in Boston, Massachusetts. This firm was a Partnership that included Edward Howard and David P. Davis. Both men were friends and trained as clockmakers under Aaron Willard in Roxbury, Massachusetts. They were in business together as early as 1842 with Luther Stephenson as Stephenson, Howard & Davis. In 1847, Stephenson departed, and the Howard & Davis name was used. This firm got into financial trouble due to a venture Howard was involved in. Davis left the firm sometime in 1856 to pursue other endeavors. Together, they built a reputation for building very high-quality items, including clocks, postal scales, fire pumpers, and other measuring devices.
This clock is inventory number 216097.
The Howard & Davis firm was formed in Boston, Massachusetts, by Edward Howard and David Potter Davis in 1842. Both men were trained and served their apprenticeship in clockmaking to Aaron Willard Jr. of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Their partnership lasted approximately ten years. From 1844 through 1847, Luther S. Stephenson joined the partnership, which was then called Stephenson, Howard & Davis. It is now currently thought that the Howard & Davis name was only used after Stephenson departed. The Howard & Davis Clock Company was located at No 34 Water Street. Here they built a reputation for building very high-quality items, which included various forms of high-grade clocks and precision balances or scales. Banks used gold standard balances. Letter balances were built under contract for the United States Government. These were used in state and county offices. Town standards (scales) and Druggist's balances were also manufactured along with the necessary weights. The company also made sewing machines and fire pumpers. In 1857, the Howard & Davis firm was dissolved when D. P. Davis left to pursue other ventures. In 1857, Davis was part of Davis, Polsey & Co. This firm identified itself as the "late Howard and Davis." They manufactured clocks and a line of pull cord, pin registration watch clocks. This firm lasted until 1860. Posley continued to make these clocks on his own. In 1858, E. Howard began to sign his clocks, E. Howard & Co. This firm enjoyed many prosperous years making clocks and later watches until he retired in 1881.
