This attractive timepiece is called the Model Number 5 and was made by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts.

The E. Howard & Company offered five sizes of this Banjo form. This example is the smallest of the five and is the most commonly found. The largest size is called the Model Number 1.

The Number 5 size has very pleasing proportions measuring approximately 29 inches long. The case is constructed in cherry and retains it’s original grained painted decoration. This decoration is in outstanding condition. (Howard banjo clock cases were originally grained with india ink in order to simulate the rich look of the grain found in rosewood.) The frames are fitted with reverse painted tablets or glasses. The black, gold and red painted designs are the traditional E. Howard color combinations. Both tablets are original to this example. The movement is made of brass and is excellent quality. It is weight driven and has a recoil escapement. It is a very accurate time keeper for it’s small size. The movement is die stamped on the front plate, “E. Howard & Company, Boston.” The iron dial is thought to be an early version in that it is wonderfully signed in a script format. This dial measures seven inches in diameter. The original weight is cast in iron. The brass bob features a fancy ring turned design. This fancy bob is supported by the original wooden rod. Inside the case pasted on to the bottom board is the Maker’s original set up label. This clock was made circa 1860 and is an outstanding example.