E. Howard & Co., Boston, Mass. Model No. 58-8. 223086.
The E. Howard Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts, made this attractive wall clock. They cataloged it as the "Model 58." This model has become an increasingly challenging to find in today's marketplace. Its clean and simple lines make it a desirable model sought after by dealers and collectors alike. The Model 58 was manufactured from the 1880s through the mid-1890s and was offered in three different sizes; this is the smallest of the three, with the case measuring 3 feet 4 inches long with an 8-inch dial.
The Ash case features a nice tight grain. The case sides are paneled. Reeded columns front the corners. Four wood-turned finials adorn the top of the saw tooth molding. Two additional finials are mounted to the bottom of the case. The front of the case serves double duty as a door. The top section is carved, featuring four carved quartered sunbursts that frame the dial. The lower section is fitted with glass for viewing the swing of the engraved pendulum.
The painted zinc dial is 8 inches in diameter. The time ring features a closed minute ring and Roman-style hour numerals. It is signed in the original script by the Clockmaker, "E. HOWARD & CO. / BOSTON." Open moon-style hands display the time.
The quality, weight-driven movement is made of brass and designed to run for eight days. The Maker's name and working location are die-stamped on the front plate. The pendulum rod is made of seasoned cherry and has been silvered. The bob is zinc-covered in brass for compensation. It has also been silvered and is decorated with an engine-turned design in outstanding condition.
This clock case is 40 long, 1.5 inches wide and 5.75 inches deep.
Inventory 223086.
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.
