E. Howard Clock Company Marble Dial Clock Model No., 27. This clock originally hung in the Elks Lodge Number 73 in Wareham, Massachusetts. 223136.

Marble Dial Clocks were originally designed for and used in banks, halls, public buildings, hotels, railway depots, church galleries, and all large apartments. Marble was selected as a material and accepted by the public because of its distinctive look. The surface of these clocks is easy to keep clean and is very durable.

This clock was put in use and hung in the B.P.O.E. Lodge 73, which now serves the town of Wareham and New Bedford, MA. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.) of the United States serves the people and communities through benevolent programs. The Elks were formed on February 16, 1868. They chose the Elk as their symbol. The Elk is a peaceful animal but will rise in defense of its own in the face of a threat. The majestic creature is fleet of foot and keen on perception. A most fitting representation, the stately Elk is, for a distinctively American, intensely patriotic, family-oriented organization subscribing to the cardinal principles of Elkdom, “Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.”

The dial of this clock was custom-decorated to reflect the organization. An image of Elk, with its’ antlers held high, is prominently featured. The E. Howard Clock Company was well known. It allowed its customers to special order features, graphics, and case designs. This is an example of their ability.

The entire front of this case is a piece of Italian marble measuring approximately one-half inch thick and approximately 2 feet 11 inches or 35 inches long. The Model No. 27 is the larger size of this form. Two versions were offered in the Howard catalogs. The smaller version, the Model No. 28, measures 2 feet 4 inches long.

The marble selected for this example features a very subdued grain pattern. The surface has taken a grey tint. The stone features a nicely formed edge that is in very good condition. It is not cracked or chipped. This is fitted onto a case that is constructed in pine. The outer surface of this case was painted white. The marble is secured to the case with two large screws. The upper section of this example measures 18 inches across. The time ring, featuring Roman-style hour numerals, measures 15.5 inches in diameter to the outer edge of the minute ring. The painted graphics on this example appear to be original to this example and are now in very good condition.

The weight-driven movement is brass and of very good quality. The weight is cast iron and is original to this clock. It is stamped “27.” The Maker’s name, working location, and movement size are die-stamped onto the heavily cast front plate. This movement is also fitted with a Geneva stop-work winding mechanism. The pendulum is supported by a block mounted above the movement’s plates. An auxiliary steel rod extends to the top of the case to fine-tune the regulation. The pendulum rod is made of wood and retains its original gilding. The bob is zinc, covered with a brass facing, and retains its original decoration. The motion of this pendulum bob can be viewed through the glass tablet in the lower section of this clock. This tablet has been professionally repainted in the correct Howard format.

This nicely restored example was made circa 1870.

Inventory number 223136.