E. Howard & Co. of Boston, Massachusetts. The Model No. 6. wall regulator. Figure 8. Watchman's Bank and Public Office Clock. 217043.
This "Figure Eight" form is arguably one of the most attractive antique wall clock forms in today's marketplace. This impressive example, the Model No. 6, is the largest of 5 individual sizes that share this distinctive form. This case measures 4 feet 10 inches long. It is constructed in black walnut and retains an older finish. The condition of which is very good, making it a desirable example. The front of this case also serves as a door. It is hinged and swings to the right. The door is fitted with three glass panels. The upper panel is clear, protecting the dial and hands. The other two panels are decorated with paint applied from the back. The middle tablet is decorated in black and gold. The center section is left clear to view the motion of the gilded pendulum rod. The lower circular tablet is painted in the traditional E. Howard colors of black, red, and gold. The center of this glass is also left undecorated so that one can see the brass-faced pendulum bob. Both painted tablets are original to this clock. They have had some minor restoration in stabilizing the original paint.
The painted iron dial on this model measures 14 inches in diameter. This dial is original to this clock, but the graphics have been professionally relined. A closed minute ring frames the Roman-style hour numerals. The subsidiary seconds dial is divided into ten-second increments. These are labeled with Arabic-style numerals. The Company name is signed below the center. In block lettering, it reads, "E. Howard & Co. / Boston." Steel hands designed with open diamonds out on their ends indicate the time. These are original to this clock.
The weight-driven eight-day movement is constructed in brass and is very good quality. The works are secured to the backboard with brass tabs. The Clockmaker's name can be found die-stamped into the front plate in the upper left corner. Hardened steel arbors support the brass gearing. This movement is designed to beats seconds through a Graham deadbeat escapement. It is also fitted with maintaining or retaining power which is designed to put forward pressure on the great wheel during the winding process. This has two positive effects. First, it prevents the loss of impulse to the time train while winding. The clock continues to keep time. Secondly, it protects the teeth on the escape wheel. The large size and weight of the 8-inch bob located at the bottom of the pendulum could put it at risk of damage. This movement is also fitted with Geneva stop work. This device will prevent you from over-winding this clock, thereby putting additional pressure on the gear train, weight cord, and pulley.
The pendulum incorporates a double suspension spring. It mounts at the top of the movement to a brass bar that bridges both movement plates. The rod is made from straight-grain cherry wood that was appropriately seasoned. The rod is finished in gilt, where it would be visible through the clear openings in the door glass. This gilding is in very good original condition. The zinc bob measures 8 inches in diameter. It is covered with a brass jacket decorated with several engraved concentric circles. Every other ring is decorated with a damascene design. This original decorative treatment remains in a vibrant state. This bob is in excellent condition. The original cast iron weight is impressed with the number 6.
This clock is fitted with a red-painted wooden board inside the case. This board serves several functions. It provides a guide for the weight preventing it from interfering with the pendulum. It also provides a background color. The pendulum swings in front of this board. Occasionally, the red color comes into view when the pendulum is at its extremes in the process of swinging. Lastly, the pendulum tie-down is also mounted here. This simple device allows one the ability to secure the pendulum in place. The tie-down is helpful when transporting the clock.
This attractive clock was made circa 1875.
Inventory number 217043.
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.
