E. Howard & Co., of Boston, MA. Model No. 70-12. Cherry case.
This model Number 70 is fine condition. It is a very desirable example having a case that is constructed in cherry. The vast majority of the Howard 70 clocks manufactured were constructed in oak cases. This cherry cased version would have been a special order and used in a less commercial or warmer setting.
The overall color is very good. The 12 inch dial is painted on tin and is original to this clock. It is signed by the Maker in block lettering. The weight driven movement is brass and of very good quality. The Makers' name and model Number 70 are die-stamped into the front plate. The weight is cast iron and is original to this clock. It too features the number "70." The pendulum rod is made of wood. The bob is zinc. It is covered in brass for compensation. The damascene decoration is in excellent original condition. The reverse painted tablet is done in the traditional Howard colors of black red and gold. This tablet appears to be original to this clock. The Clockmaker's original set up label can be found inside the case pasted to the bottom board. This clock is designed to run for eight days on a full wind and was made circa 1890. This clock measures 32 inches long.
The E. Howard & Company offered five different sizes of the Model 70 form. This example is the smallest of the five. The largest and rarest size is seldom seen. It has a dial that measures a full 24 inches in diameter and the case is 4 feet 8 inches long. This smaller size has much better proportions and this form was copied by many of Howard's competitors. The Model 70 was successfully sold. It was used extensively in the Boston Public School System as wells 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 Nations railroad stations. Some of which included: The Elevated Railroad Stations of New York City, The Pennsylvania Railroad Company, The Central Railroad of New Jersey, West Shore Railroad of Boston & Albany and nearly all Railroad Companies throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The E. Howard & Company represents a significant chapter in American horological history, continuing the legacy of the esteemed Howard & Davis firm after 1857. Established in 1842 in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Howard & Davis was the brainchild of Edward Howard and David Porter Davis, both of whom trained under the legendary Aaron Willard Jr. Their early work set new standards for precision timekeeping and craftsmanship in 19th-century America. The firm’s innovations extended beyond clocks to include balances, sewing machines, fire engines, and watches—demonstrating a remarkable breadth of technical achievement. By 1852, their manufactory was a landmark in Roxbury, as seen on period maps. Following the dissolution of Howard & Davis, Edward Howard’s vision propelled him to become Boston’s leading maker of weight-driven clocks, catering to both residential and commercial needs. Notably, the company played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of American tower clocks and advanced timekeeping systems during the late 1800s, contributing to the growing network of public and institutional clocks across the country. The completion of a new factory complex in 1873 further cemented their influence, with separate facilities for clocks and watches reflecting the scale and ambition of their operations.
The legacy of the E. Howard Clock Company endures as one of the most respected in American horology. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, the company never produced an inexpensive clock; instead, it set benchmarks for accuracy, durability, and elegance. Its clocks became the standard in schools, public buildings, and railway stations across the country, marking significant moments in the nation’s growth. Collectors and institutions alike prize Howard clocks for their superior craftsmanship and historical importance. Today, the E. Howard name remains synonymous with exceptional quality, technical achievement, and an enduring influence on the art and science of clockmaking.
