E. Howard & Co. Model No. 27. A marble faced wall clock. Boston, Mass. TT-142.
Marble Dial Clocks were originally designed for and used in banks, halls, public buildings, hotels, railway depots, church galleries, and all large apartments. Marble was selected as a material and accepted by the public because of its distinctive look. The surface of these clocks is easy to keep clean and is very durable.
The entire front of this case is a piece of Italian marble measuring approximately one-half inch thick and approximately 2 feet 11 inches or 35 inches long. The Model No. 27 is the larger size of this form. Two versions were offered in the Howard catalogs. The smaller version, the Model No. 28, measures 2 feet 4 inches in length.
The marble selected for this example features a very subdued grain pattern. The surface has taken a grey tint. The stone features a nicely formed edge that is in very good condition. It is not cracked or chipped. This is fitted onto a case that is constructed in pine. The outer surface of this case now features a natural wood finish. The marble is secured to the case with two large screws. The upper section of this example measures 18 inches across. The time ring, featuring Roman-style hour numerals, measures 15.5 inches in diameter to the outer edge of the minute ring. The painted graphics on this example have been professionally restored and are now in excellent condition.
The weight-driven movement is brass and of very good quality. The weight is cast iron and is original to this clock. The Maker's name, working location, and movement size are die-stamped onto the heavily cast front plate. This movement is also fitted with a Geneva stop-work winding mechanism. The pendulum is supported by a block mounted above the plates of the movement. An auxiliary steel rod extends to the top of the case to fine-tune the regulation. The pendulum rod is made of wood and retains its original gilding. The bob is zinc and covered with a brass facing and retains its original decoration. The motion of this pendulum bob can be viewed through the glass tablet in the lower section of this clock. This tablet has been professionally repainted in the correct Howard format.
This nicely restored example was made circa 1875.
Inventory number TT-142.
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.
