E. Howard Clock Company. Boston, Massachusetts. The Regulator No. 13. 224084.
The E. Howard & Co. succeeded the Howard & Davis Company in 1857. In 1858, the new company printed a catalog that respectfully announced the continuation of the business under the name E. Howard & Company. This catalog stated that E. Howard & Co. was "now prepared to furnish to the Trade the well-known Clocks heretofore manufactured by H & D., as well as the Gold Standard Balances, and other fine work formerly made by them." The new company promised promptness and guaranteed the quality of their goods. One of the new clock models offered in this catalog was the Regulator 13.
The E. Howard Regulator 13 shares a case style offered in three cataloged sizes. The largest size is the model No. 12, which features a 14-inch diameter dial and a case measuring approximately 62 inches. The No. 13 featured a 12-inch dial and was about 56 inches in length. Lastly, the No. 14 was the smallest of the three. Its dial is 10 inches in diameter, and the case is 42 inches long. The cases of all three models were constructed in black walnut unless another wood was specifically requested. Regarding Howard clock production, these three models are early clocks and had fallen out of favor in the early 1870s. Very few clocks are recorded in the surviving Howard order books, beginning in August 1872.
The E. Howard Regulator No. 13, a rare find in excellent condition, is a testament to its exclusivity and uniqueness. With fewer than a dozen offered on the public market in the last twenty years, it stands as a highly sought-after piece among collectors, promising a truly unique addition to any collection.
This is a very good example of the E. Howard Regulator No. 13. The black walnut case, featuring a modern shellac-based finish, is in excellent condition, mirroring the original finish used at the Howard factory. The surface is clean and pleasing, exhibiting a classic color. The entire front is an access door hinged on the right and locks closed. The door is fitted with robust moldings, providing a three-dimensional visual presentation of the case. The perimeter of the door is fitted with linear molding on three sides, and the opening in the door, which mimics the shape of the case, is trimmed with applied molding. The upper circular molding forms the dial bezel, which measures 17 inches in diameter and is fitted with glass to protect the dial. The bottom of the case is fitted with a lower bracket, which sweeps back to the wall and completes the bottom of the case design.
The painted iron dial is original to this clock and is in superb original condition. It measures 12.75 inches in diameter, and the time ring is 11.25 inches across. This dial is signed "E. Howard & Co. / Boston." The hours are indicated in Roman-style figures. A subsidiary seconds dial is below hour number XII. The hands are steel and retain much of their original bluing. Their design incorporates an open diamond on the end of the hand.
The lower section of the door is also fitted with a glass panel. This glass tablet has been professionally restored, ensuring that the original design and quality are preserved. It is painted in the traditional E. Howard painted patterns of black, red, and gold. The center is left open or clear to view the gilt pendulum rod and brass-faced bob. The lower bracket, which sweeps back to the wall, completes the bottom of the case design.
The 8-day weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is of excellent quality. The Maker's name is die-stamped into the upper left corner of the front plate. The Geneva stop work is located on the front plate. Its purpose is to prevent one from overwinding the clock. Both rectangular-shaped plates are robust and are supported with four movement posts. This movement is designed to beat seconds. It features a Graham deadbeat escapement. It is also fitted with maintaining or retaining power. This device maintains power on the great wheel while winding this clock mechanism. This has two positive effects. First, it prevents the loss of time while winding. Secondly, it protects the teeth on the escape wheel due to the size and weight of the 8-inch pendulum bob located at the bottom of the pendulum. The pendulum is carefully suspended by a double suspension spring supported at the top of the movement. The rod is made from straight-grain cherry that was appropriately seasoned and retained its original gilding. The bob is zinc and covered with a brass jacket or facing. The face of the bob is decorated with several engraved rings that are formatted in a concentric pattern. A cast iron weight powers this clock. This example retains its original weight, descending in its dedicated channel below the dial. This is enclosed in wood. The top-facing surface is painted black and provides a backdrop for the pendulum rod to swing in front of. This clock is designed to run for eight days on a full wind.
The clockmaker's set-up label is pasted on the backside of the door. It is in very good original condition.
This fine clock measures approximately 56 inches long, with a bezel 17 inches wide and 8 inches deep.
The Howard Clock Company made this clock circa 1860.
Inventory number 224084.
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.
