E. Howard & Co., of Boston, Massachusetts. The Model No. 8, Figure 8 wall clock. CCC-17.
This very attractive wall clock is cataloged as the Model Number 8. Today, we refer to it as a Figure 8. The E Howard & Company of Boston manufactured this clock. Clocks like this one were originally marketed as well-suited for "House and Counting-Room Clocks." Today, they are proudly displayed in owners' homes. Of the five E. Howard & Company Figure Eight sizes, the No. 8 is not a common size. It is the middle size, with a case measuring 3 feet 8 inches long. This figure eight form is always a favorite of those who visit our shop.
The case is constructed in black walnut and retains a clean finish. The color is excellent. The front of this case serves double duty. It is also a door. The door is constructed with three glass panels and is hinged. It swings to the right. The upper glass is clear, and you can view the dial through it. The middle tablet or throat glass is decorated in black and gold paint from the back. The center section is left clear so that you can view the motion of the gilt wooden pendulum rod, which swings inside the case. The lower circular tablet features the traditional E. Howard colors of black, red, and gold. The center of this glass is also left clear to view the brass-faced pendulum bob. Pasted to the back of this door is the Clockmaker's setup label.
The heavily painted iron dial on this clock measures 11 inches in diameter and is in very good original condition. The hours are indicated with Roman-style figures. The Company name is signed below the center arbor in script lettering. It reads, "E. Howard & Co., / Boston." This is an original signature. The time is indicated in the traditional format. The hands are designed with open diamonds out on their ends. These are original to this clock.
The weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. The Maker's name is die-stamped in the upper left corner of the front plate. Both plates are finely finished and frame the gearing. This movement is designed with a recoil escapement. The pendulum is carefully suspended from the bridge and mounted to the top of the movement. The rod is made from straight-grain cherry. Before it was constructed, the wood was appropriately seasoned and gilded. It now retains this original treatment. The bob is zinc and covered with a brass jacket. The brass is decorated with several engraved concentric rings. Every other ring is decorated with a damascene design. The original cast iron weight powers the movement to run for eight days on a full wind.
This clock was made circa 1875.
Inventory Number CCC-17.
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.
