Howard & Davis No.1 Wall Regulator. Boston, Massachusetts. EEE-23.
The No. 1 Regulator is an impressive clock that measures 4 feet 2 inches long. The case is constructed from lightly toned cherry wood and retains its original faux India ink grain patterns. The graining process simulates the pattern or structure of rosewood. The graining on this clock is original and in excellent condition. The restored tablets are painted in traditional black and gold colors. Both tablets feature clear panels in the center of their designs, allowing you to see the gilded rod of the pendulum in the throat section. The opening in the design of the lower tablets lets you view the brass pendulum bob, which is helpful for determining whether the clock is operating. The dial bezel is well-formed and fitted with glass that protects the dial.
The painted iron dial has a diameter of 12 inches and features a close minute ring, Roman-style hour numerals, and a subsidiary seconds dial. “Howard & Davis / BOSTON” is inscribed in the center. Open diamond hands indicate the time. This is an original dial.
The movement is of excellent quality. The rear plate attaches to the backboard with brass tabs. The mechanism features heavy brass trapezoidal plates, a Graham Dead Beat Escapement for power maintenance, a double suspension spring, and a Geneva Winding Stop. Consequently, these clocks vary by only seconds each month and are outstanding timekeepers. The front plate is die-stamped with “HOWARD & / DAVIS / BOSTON.” The pendulum hangs from the front of the movement. The supporting rod, made of seasoned cherry, has been painted gold. A section of this pendulum rod is visible through a clear opening in the throat tablet. The large, heavy bob, made of zinc and covered in brass, can be easily seen through the oval opening in the lower tablet. This impressive wall-hanging timepiece was made circa 1850.
The case is 50 inches long,
Inventory number EEE-23.
The Howard & Davis firm was formed in Boston, Massachusetts, by Edward Howard and David Porter 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.
