E. Howard & Co., Boston, Massachusetts. The Model No. 5. 224002.
This Model Number 5 is an attractive timepiece. It was made by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts.
The E. Howard Clock Company offered five sizes of this very popular banjo form. This example is the smallest of the five, measuring 29 inches long, and is the most commonly found. For comparison, the largest Howard banjo size is cataloged by Howard as the Model Number 1. Its case measures 50 inches in length.
The Number 5 size has very pleasing proportions, measuring approximately 29 inches long. Its compact size makes it easy to hang in a variety of settings. The case is constructed in cherry and retains its original grained-painted decoration. This decoration is in outstanding condition. (Howard banjo clock cases were originally faux-grained with India ink applied with a feather. This artistic process simulates the rich look of the grain found in rosewood.) The frames are fitted with restored reverse-painted tablets or glasses. They feature Howard’s traditional color combination of black, gold, and red. The circular wooden dial bezel is fitted with glass and protects the dial and hands.
The painted iron dial measures seven inches in diameter and is wonderfully signed in script format. A closed minute ring and Roman-style hour numerals are painted along the dial’s perimeter. Open moon hands display the time.
The weight-driven movement is made of brass and is of excellent quality. It is a very accurate timekeeper for its small size. Both plates retain their original spotted damscene design. The front plate is die-stamped, “E. Howard & Company / BOSTON.” Hardened shafts support steel pinions, trass gearing, and a recoil escapement. The original drive weight is cast iron. The pendulum hangs from a bridge mounted on the front of the movement. The original wooden rod, painted back, supports the brass bob that retains its original ring-turned design. Alternate rings are decorated with damascene. The bob swings in front of the original red-painted weightboard. The pendulum teidown is also mounted on this board.
Inside the case, the maker’s original setup label is pasted onto the bottom board. This board is also die-stamped “11” on the leading edge.
This clock was made circa 1860 and is an outstanding early example.
Inventory number 224002.
The photos of this clock were taken in "as bought" condition. The servicing of the movement is included in the sales process. We fully service the clocks we sell before they are delivered.
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.
