E. Howard & Co. Model No. 20. Marble Dial Clock. Boston Clockmakers. TT-82.
The model No. 20 marble dial clock was one of the more popular marble clocks sold. This model was cataloged in three sizes. The catalogs offered the extreme case dimensions of 28 inches square, 36 inches square, and 42 inches square. The company records indicate that other sizes were made. A popular variant was a model that measured 22 inches square. A large percentage of model 20s were ordered as presentation pieces having a name of an individual, public hall, or business painted on the dial. Of course, they were popular in these settings because the dial was durable and easy to clean.
This example measures 28 inches across at the widest points. The case is approximately 4.5 inches deep. The marble selected for this example is predominately a white stone with light grey suggestive veins. The perimeter features a nicely formed edge and is not cracked or chipped. This stone is fitted onto a pine case that retains much of its original white paint on the outside surface. The marble is secured to the wooden structure with two screws. The dial or time ring is painted onto the marble. This dial measures 24 inches in diameter. Roman-style hour numerals mark the hours. Arabic five-minute markers are represented on a much smaller scale. The Maker's name and working location are presented below the center. The painted graphics on this example are, for the most part, in original condition. There has been some minor strengthening to the black.
The 8-day weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is of very good quality. The Maker's name and working location are die-stamped onto the heavily cast front plate. This movement is also fitted with a Geneva stop-work winding mechanism. The pendulum rod is made of wood and is painted black. The bob is zinc and covered with brass. A bridge supports this. It extends to the top of the movement, where an auxiliary device is fitted. This is designed to allow one to regulate the time by turning a wheel with a key through the front of the dial. This is necessary because interior access is limited. This clock is powered by a cast iron weight which is compounded in order to run for an eight-day duration.
This fine example was made circa 1870.
Inventory number TT-82.
$3,250
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.
