E. Howard & Co. Model No., 70-12. Walnut case. A Boston made clock.
This Model Number 70 is very good original condition. The case is constructed in walnut which maintains its original finish which has been rubbed out and waxed. This model is seldom seen in walnut. The vast majority of the 70 style clock produced were constructed in either oak or ash. The darker color of walnut has a very masculine appearance. The 12 inch dial is painted on tin and is original to this clock. The Maker's name is signed in block letters above the numeral "six." The weight driven movement is brass and of very good quality. This movement is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The Maker's name and model number "70" are die-stamped into the front plate. The weight is cast iron and is original to the clock. The pendulum rod is made of wood and is painted black. The zinc bob is covered in brass and the damascene decoration that is applied to it is in excellent original condition. The restored painted tablet is done in the traditional Howard colors of black red and gold.
This fine example was made circa 1890. It measures approximately 32 inches long. It is inventory TT-176.
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.
