Howard & Davis Model No. 5 Square Bottom wall clock. Boston, MA. OO-18.
OO-18 Howard & Davis Model No. 5-Square bottom wall timepiece or "Banjo clock." OO-18.
The Model No. 5 Square bottom wall clock is pictured 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 later the E. Howard Clock Company manufactured this model. The vast majority of the examples seen today are signed by the Howard & Davis firm. It can be challenging to find an example of this form signed by the E. Howard Clock Co.
This Model No. 5-Square bottom is considered unusual because the bottom section of the case is designed with a square box compared to the more prevalent version, which features rounded sides. In comparison, a relatively small number of these square bottom clocks were originally produced. The Model No. 5 is the smallest example of five separate banjo models that both firms manufactured. This case 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 banjo models offered in the catalogs are constructed on a graduating scale. The largest of the five individual models is 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 grain pattern exhibited in rosewood.
This example has very pleasing proportions. The case is constructed in cherry and retains much of its original grain-painted decoration. This applied ink pattern to the cherry wood simulates the grain exhibited in rosewood. The condition of this treatment is good. The graining is stronger on the case's sides than on the frames. The glasses are reverse painted in the traditional Howard & Davis colors of black and gold. These appear to be original to the clock and in very good condition. The center of the oval 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. The movement is constructed in brass and is of excellent quality. The front plate is not die-stamped, as is the case with many Howard & Davis models. This time-only, weight-driven movement is designed with a recoil escapement and is considered an accurate timekeeper. The original cast iron weight powers the clock. The pendulum is constructed with an oval-shaped brass keystone and a wooden rod. The lead bob is covered in brass, and its motion can be viewed through the opening in the lower tablet. The zinc dial measures approximately seven inches in diameter. The decoration is printed on paper. The paper is applied to the zinc pan. This dial is signed in block letters. It reads, "HOWARD & DAVIS / BOSTON."
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.
