E. Howard & Co., of Boston, Massachusetts. The Model No. 8, Figure 8 wall clock. 225159.
This handsome wall clock was made circa 1865, and was originally offered in the E. Howard & Co. clock catalog as Model Number 8. Today, iti s called the Figure 8. It was initially marketed as an ideal clock for one's home or counting room. Today, owners of this model proudly display them in a variety of locations. Of the five Figure Eight sizes, the No. 8 is uncommon and falls in the middle, with a case measuring 3 feet 8 inches long. This figure-eight design remains a favorite among visitors to our shop.
The case is constructed in black walnut and retains a clean finish. The color is excellent. The front of this case serves double duty. It is also a door. The door is hinged to the right and features three glass panels. The upper glass is transparent, allowing you to view the dial. The middle tablet, or throat glass, is decorated in black and gold paint on the back. The center section of the design is left clear so you can view the motion of the gilt-wood pendulum rod, which swings inside the case. The lower circular tablet is also painted in black and gold. The center of this glass is also left clear, allowing the brass-faced pendulum bob to be viewed.
The painted iron dial measures 11 inches in diameter and remains in excellent original condition, with no noted restoration. The original signature of 'E. Howard & Co., / Boston' is clearly visible, confirming its authenticity. The original hands with open moons further attest to its originality, making it a desirable piece for collectors seeking well-preserved examples.
The weight-driven movement, pictured here before servicing, has rectangular-shaped brass plates. The maker’s name is die-stamped in the upper left of the front plate along with the letter “F.” Both plates are finely finished and enclose the gearing, which is supported on hardened steel shafts. The escapement is a recoil design. The pendulum is suspended from the bridge and attached to the movement’s top. It swings in front of a red-painted wooden board. This board protects it from the weight. The pendulum rod is made from straight-grain cherry, seasoned and gilded before use. The gilding is its original finish. The bob is zinc-clad in a brass jacket, bearing several engraved concentric rings alternating with damascened designs. The original cast iron weight powers the movement for eight days on a full wind.
This clock was made circa 1865.
Inventory 225159.
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.
