E. Howard Figure Eight wall clock. "House and Counting-Room Clock." The Model No., 10. 221234.
This model number 10, or the "Figure Eight" form, is arguably one of the most attractive antique wall clock forms in the marketplace today. This version is the smallest of 5 individual sizes, measuring 2 feet 9 inches long. The case is made of black walnut and is presented in an older finish that has been enhanced. The condition and the warm tones treatment are excellent, making it a desirable example. The five figure-eight models, varying in size, were in production for over 40 years. Over that time, the case design changed slightly. The cases vary with a detail that is found in the throat section. This detail has four variations. This one has a flat frame between the bezels. Others can have either a slightly scooped edge, an applied flat molding, or an applied half-rounded molding. Personal tastes dictate a preference.
The front of the case is hinged. The applied ornaments at the top and bottom of the case are mounted to the door. Both bezels are decoratively turned from wood. The outer molding is deeply carved. The lower tablets are professionally repainted in the traditional E. Howard colors.
The painted iron dial measures 8 inches in diameter. It is signed above the numeral "VI," E Howard & Co. / BOSTON. The segmented time ring frames the Roman-style hour numerals. Open moon hands display the time.
The weight-driven movement is brass and of excellent quality. This movement is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The brass rectangular-shaped plates support hardened steel shafts, brass gearing, and a recoil escapement. The Maker's name and city location are die-stamped into the front plate. The cast iron weight that powers this mechanism is original. The pendulum is suspended from the front of the movement by a bridge. The flat rod is made of wood and is painted black. The pendulum bob is zinc. It is covered in brass for compensation. The brass is decorated with several concentric engraved rings. This swings in front of a wooden weight board that provides a guide for the weight or protection of the pendulum and is also used as a field of color for the pendulum to swing in front of.
This clock was made circa 1870.
Inventory number 221234.
Sale price $7,500.
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.
