E. Howard & Co. No. 1 Regulator. Watchmakers, Bank and Public Office Clock. 220067.
E. Howard Clock Company made this very impressive wall timepiece regulator. They cataloged it as the Model Number 1, and it was originally marketed as a regulator for watchmakers. Watchmakers would use at least one very accurate clock to time or regulate the watches and clocks they repaired. This model was also advertised as “Well adapted for banks, insurance offices, and large rooms.”
The E. Howard & Company offered five graduating sizes of this popular banjo form. This example is the largest of the five sizes. The case is 4 feet 2 inches long, and the dial is 12 inches in diameter. For comparison, the smallest Howard banjo example in this series measures 29 inches long and is called the Model Number 5.
Traditionally, Howard banjo cases are constructed in cherry and are finished with a faux grain pattern executed in India ink. This process simulates rosewood’s rich natural grain pattern. The grain pattern exhibited on the outside facing surfaces of this example is in very good original condition. The frames are fitted with reverse-painted tablets or glasses. The black, gold, and red are the traditional E. Howard & Company color combinations. They have been restored in the areas of the black and gold.
The 12-inch painted dial is iron. It is protected by glass that is mounted into the wooden bezel. This dial is signed in block lettering by the clockmaker. It reads, “E. Howard & Co. / BOSTON.” This model, again the largest size, features a subsidiary seconds dial within the time track. The other four Howard banjo models do not.
The weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is of excellent quality. Both movement plates are robust, highly finished, and feature their original scraping design. The Maker’s name is die-stamped into the front plate. The backplate is secured to the backboard with brass tabs. The movement is designed to run for eight days on a full winding. It features weight power, a Graham Dead Beat Escapement, a Geneva Stop winding mechanism (restored), and maintaining power or retaining power gearing. The original weight is cast in iron. The gilded cherry wood pendulum rod is supported by a bridge mounted on the front of the movement. The suspension features two springs that are mounted in brass blocks. The rod can be seen through the clear opening in the waist glass. The bob is decorated with an engraved ring-turned design and a damascene decoration. The bob can be seen through the clear opening in the lower tablet or glass.
This clock was made circa 1880 and is a very good example. This model has proven to be a very accurate timekeeper.
It is inventory number 220067.
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.
