E. Howard & Co. Model No. 13. Wall regulator. 215039.
The E. Howard Regulator 13 is a case style that was offered in three cataloged sizes. The largest was the No. 12. This version has a 14-inch diameter dial and a case that measures approximately 62 inches long. The No. 13 featured a 12-inch dial and a case approximately 56 inches long. Lastly, the No. 14 has a 10-diameter dial and a case that measures 42 inches long. The cases of all three models were constructed in black walnut unless another wood was requested. These were early clocks and have fallen out of favor in the 1870s and beyond. Very few examples are recorded in the surviving Howard order books, beginning in August of 1872.
This is the E. Howard Regulator No. 13. This is a difficult model to find. Few have been offered on the public market in the last twenty or so years.
The black walnut case has been protected with a shellac-based finish. The finish has been rubbed out and waxed. The surface is pleasing to look at and exhibits some depth. The two access doors are fitted with large moldings. The upper door is called the dial bezel. It measures 17.5 inches in diameter and is fitted with glass to protect the dial. A push button latch on the left side of the case releases the hinged door on the right. The painted zinc dial is original to this clock and has some minor areas of paint loss. It measures 12 5/8 inches in diameter, and the time ring is 10 and 7/8 inches across. This dial is signed "E. Howard & Co. / Boston." The hours are indicated in Roman-style figures. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned below hour number XII. The hands are steel and retain much of their original bluing. Their design incorporates an open diamond on the end of the hand. The lower door is also fitted with glass. This original glass tablet is decorated in the traditional E. Howard paint pattern. A gilt frame borders a black field. The center is left open to view the pendulum. The door is locked and opens with a key. Additional moldings decorate this unusual case style. They provide a three-dimensional visual presentation of the case. The lower bracket, which steps back to the wall, has been restored sometime in the history of this clock.
The 8-day weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is of excellent quality. The Maker's name is die-stamped into the front plate. Both rectangular-shaped plates are quite heavy and are finely finished. They are supported with four movement posts. A Geneva stop work will prevent you from overwinding this clock. This movement is designed to beat seconds. Sixty beats per minute. It features a Graham deadbeat escapement. It is also fitted with maintaining or retaining power. This feature maintains power on the great wheel while in the process of winding this movement. This has two positive effects. First, it prevents the loss of time while winding. Secondly, it protects the teeth on the escape wheel due to the size and weight of the 8-inch pendulum bob located at the bottom of the pendulum. The pendulum is carefully suspended by a double suspension spring, which is supported at the top of the movement. The rod is made from straight-grain cherry that was appropriately seasoned and retains its original gilding. The bob measures 8 inches in diameter. It is zinc and covered with a brass jacket for compensation. The face of the bob is decorated with several engraved concentric rings. The damascene decoration is in excellent original condition. This clock is powered by its original cast iron weight. This weight descends in a channel that is enclosed in wood. The top-facing surface is painted black and provides a backdrop for the pendulum rod to swing in front of it. This clock is designed to run for eight days on a full wind.
This fine clock measures approximately 56 inches long. At the bezel, it is 17.5 inches wide and 8 inches deep.
Inventory number 215039.
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.
