E. Howard & Co. Model No. 21. Eight-day spring-powered movement. UU-62.
Marble-faced clocks were designed for libraries, churches, banking rooms, and other large interiors. The front of this case is a single piece of marble that measures a full 24 inches across and is approximately one-half of an inch thick. The dial is decorated with large Roman numerals and a minute ring painted black. The five-minute positions are labeled with red Arabic numerals. The addition of red is an excellent detail. The Maker's name is signed on the dial-in block lettering. This marble dial is mounted onto a circular-shaped pine case. The outside retains its original white-painted finish. The interior is finished in a natural color shellac. The large brass movement is spring-driven and of excellent quality. Typically, these clocks were constructed with weight power or secondary electric movements. The spring-powered option found in this clock was a special order. It is heavily built and features nickeled plates die-stamp with the Maker's name in the upper left corner, heavy posts, a recoil escapement, external rating adjustment that is accessible through the dial, and spring power, which is designed to last eight days on a full wind. The coil spring fitted to this movement is encased in a brass canister. The pendulum bob is zinc and covered in brass. The brass facing retains its original ring turn design. The bob is supported by a wooden rod.
This clock was made circa 1920.
This is a very unusual setup for a Howard. They made very few spring-driven clocks. The vast majority of their production is typically weight-driven.
The model No. 21 was offered in the catalog in several dial sizes. In inches, the catalog advertised mechanically operated clocks with dials measuring 24, 30, and 36 inches in diameter. A 12 and an 18-inch diameter model was also offered for those clocks with Electric motors.
Inventory number UU-62.
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.
