E. Howard & Co. Boston, Massachusetts. The Model No. 70-14 (14 Inch dial). 224134.
The E. Howard & Company offered five sizes of the Model 70 form. This example is not the smallest of the five. It is the next size up and is seldom seen in the marketplace. This clock displays the time on a dial measuring 14 inches in diameter. The three larger models offered dial sizes including 16, 20, and 24 inches. The size of this dial makes this an unusual clock. Compared to the 12-inch dial examples of the Model 70, we have had very few opportunities to purchase the 14-inch model.
This Number 70 is in excellent working condition. The proportions of this case are quite pleasing. This example is constructed in oak. The natural light color of the oak wood has been enhanced with a clean shellac-based finish. This case is also die-stamped with the number "50" in at least three locations. This stamped number can be found on top of the bezel and on top of the case frame. It is also stamped on the top of the lower door frame. The large circular wooden bezel is fitted with glass. It frames the 14-inch diameter zinc dial. This dial retains the Maker's original block letter signature.
The brass, eight-day, weight-driven clock mechanism is of excellent quality. The Howard Clock Company guaranteed this clock not to vary more than one minute a month. The movement is secured to the backboard with a single screw into the backplate. Four-turned pillars support the two rectangular-shaped brass plates. The Maker's name and model number "5" are die-stamped into the front plate. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions and the brass gearing. The escapement is a recoil design. The pendulum hangs from the bridge on the front of the movement. The wooden rod supports a bob that is zinc and covered in brass. This brass surface is decorated with a damascene design.
The reverse-painted tablet in the lower door is original to this clock and is painted in the traditional Howard colors of black, red, and gold. It is in very good original condition.
This clock was made circa 1880. It is approximately 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 5 inches deep.
The Model 70 was successfully sold. It was used extensively in the Boston Public School System as well as the Boroughs of Greater New York and many other places as the Standard School Clock. It is reported that the United States Government specified it as the "Standard for all Public Buildings." One would also see this model in use in many of the nation's railroad stations. These include The Elevated Railroad Stations of New York City, The Pennsylvania Railroad Company, The Central Railroad of New Jersey, The West Shore Railroad of Boston & Albany, and nearly all Railroad Companies throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Inventory number 224134.
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.
