E. Howard & Co. Model No. 11. An oversized Keyhole wall clock. (14 inch dial.) TT-116.
The E. Howard Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts, made this weight-driven wall. They offered it in their catalog as Model No. 11. Today, it is often referred to as the “Keyhole” in the trade due to the case form and its resemblance to a keyhole found in most doors of the period. Interestingly, this model was offered in at least three different dial sizes.
The 11-inch dial is the standard and the most commonly found. This model has pleasing proportions and was sold to municipal entities like fire departments, businesses such as railroads and hotels, and residential customers. These clock cases measure approximately 12 inches across the bezel and are 31 inches long.
The next version of this model features a 12-inch diameter dial. The larger the dial, the more difficult to find. We have seen only one example of this model in almost 50 years of business. This clock varies from the standard model in dial and head size only. The length of the case is 32.5 inches long. The bezel is 15.25 inches in diameter.
The third example of the Number 11 features a 14-inch dial. In May 1876, the Wamsutta Mills in New Bedford, Massachusetts, ordered eight clocks; according to the existing Howard records, all eight were custom-made and constructed in black walnut cases. The cases vary only in the head dimension from the standard model 11 form. The bezel is 17.25 inches in diameter, and the case measures approximately 34 inches in length. All three of the examples we have seen have had very distinctive hands.
This is the largest size of this form currently known to us. It features a 14-inch dial, and the case measures approximately 32.5 inches long. This case is constructed in black walnut and features an older finish. The nicely shaped bezel is fitted with glass. This opens to access the professionally repainted dial. The Clockmaker’s name and working location are written in block lettering. The two hands are very unusual. We have seen them used on one other example of this model.
The movement is made of brass and is of excellent quality. It is weight-powered or driven and features a recoil escapement. It is considered a very accurate timekeeper for its small size. The movement is die-stamped on the front plate, “E. Howard & Company, Boston.” The cast iron weight is original to this clock. The brass bob is supported by the original wooden rod. The three-inch bob retains its original ring design, consisting of concentric rings alternating with a damascene pattern. This bob can be viewed through a circular opening in the painted decoration of the lower glass. This glass is decorated in the traditional black, gold, and red colors.
This unusual model was made circa 1876.
Inventory number TT-116.
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.
