E. Howard & Co. Boston, MA. Model No. 11. Wall clock. Keyhole. TT-80.
This fine example was made by the E. Howard Clock Company. They cataloged it as the Model No. 11. This model is often referred to as the “Keyhole” in the trade due to the case form and its resemblance to a keyhole found in most doors of the period.
The case is constructed in cherry and is grained with India ink. The original graining is in very good original condition. The case measures a full 31 inches in length. The nicely shaped bezel is fitted with glass. This opens to access the painted dial, which measures eleven inches in diameter. The clockmaker signs it in a large script letter format in this location. The movement is made of brass and is of excellent quality. It is weight-powered or driven and features a recoil escapement. It is a very accurate timekeeper for its small size. The movement is die-stamped on the front plate, “E. Howard & Company, Boston.” The cast iron weight is original to this clock. The original wooden rod supports the brass bob and features a ring-turned design. This design includes a fancy damascene pattern. This can be viewed through the original lower glass decorated in the traditional black, gold, and red colors. The weight board, painted black, is original to the clock. Pasted inside the lower door is E. Howard’s “DIRECTIONS FOR PUTTING UP THE CLOCK.” This label has some minor staining. Overall it is in very good condition and is a nice bonus.
This fine clock was made circa 1875. It is approximately 31 inches long. The bezel measures 13.25 inches wide and 4.75 inches deep.
Inventory number TT-80.
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.
