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E. Howard & Co. Model No. 13. Wall regulator. 215039.

The E. Howard Regulator 13 is a case style that was offered in three cataloged sizes. The largest was the No. 12. This version has a 14-inch diameter dial and a case that measures approximately 62 inches long. The No. 13 featured a 12-inch dial and a case approximately 56 inches long. Lastly, the No. 14 has a 10-diameter dial and a case that measures 42 inches long. The cases of all three models were constructed in black walnut unless another wood was requested. These were early clocks and have fallen out of favor in the 1870s and beyond. Very few examples are recorded in the surviving Howard order books, beginning in August of 1872. 

This is the E. Howard Regulator No. 13. This is a difficult model to find. Few have been offered on the public market in the last twenty or so years. 

The black walnut case has been protected with a shellac-based finish. The finish has been rubbed out and waxed. The surface is pleasing to look at and exhibits some depth. The two access doors are fitted with large moldings. The upper door is called the dial bezel. It measures 17.5 inches in diameter and is fitted with glass to protect the dial. A push button latch on the left side of the case releases the hinged door on the right. The painted zinc dial is original to this clock and has some minor areas of paint loss. It measures 12 5/8 inches in diameter, and the time ring is 10 and 7/8 inches across. This dial is signed "E. Howard & Co. / Boston." The hours are indicated in Roman-style figures. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned below hour number XII. The hands are steel and retain much of their original bluing. Their design incorporates an open diamond on the end of the hand. The lower door is also fitted with glass. This original glass tablet is decorated in the traditional E. Howard paint pattern. A gilt frame borders a black field. The center is left open to view the pendulum. The door is locked and opens with a key. Additional moldings decorate this unusual case style. They provide a three-dimensional visual presentation of the case. The lower bracket, which steps back to the wall, has been restored sometime in the history of this clock. 

The 8-day weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is of excellent quality. The Maker's name is die-stamped into the front plate. Both rectangular-shaped plates are quite heavy and are finely finished. They are supported with four movement posts. A Geneva stop work will prevent you from overwinding this clock. This movement is designed to beat seconds. Sixty beats per minute. It features a Graham deadbeat escapement. It is also fitted with maintaining or retaining power. This feature maintains power on the great wheel while in the process of winding this movement. This has two positive effects. First, it prevents the loss of time while winding. Secondly, it protects the teeth on the escape wheel due to the size and weight of the 8-inch pendulum bob located at the bottom of the pendulum. The pendulum is carefully suspended by a double suspension spring, which is supported at the top of the movement. The rod is made from straight-grain cherry that was appropriately seasoned and retains its original gilding. The bob measures 8 inches in diameter. It is zinc and covered with a brass jacket for compensation. The face of the bob is decorated with several engraved concentric rings. The damascene decoration is in excellent original condition. This clock is powered by its original cast iron weight. This weight descends in a channel that is enclosed in wood. The top-facing surface is painted black and provides a backdrop for the pendulum rod to swing in front of it. This clock is designed to run for eight days on a full wind.

This fine clock measures approximately 56 inches long. At the bezel, it is 17.5 inches wide and 8 inches deep.

Inventory number 215039.
 

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.

  • E. Howard & Co. Model No. 13. Wall regulator. 215039.
  • E. Howard & Co. Model No. 13. Wall regulator. 215039. Delaney Antique Clocks.