E. Howard & Co. Model No. 4. Wall or banjo clock. Boston, Mass. 214041.
This model is the second smallest of the five banjo sizes offered by this company. It measures a very manageable 32 inches in length. As a comparison, the smallest example of this set is the No. 5, and that clock measures 29 inches long. The No.1, the largest of the five banjo forms, measures a full 50 inches in length.
This case has very pleasing proportions. It is constructed in cherry and retains its original grain-painted decoration. This grain pattern was created with India-ink to simulate the bold grain patterns found in rosewood. The finish is lovely and could be original. The rounded frames are fitted with glass. The two lower panels are decorated or are painted from the back in the traditional E. Howard colors of black, gold, and maroon. These appear to be older restorations painted on old glass. The bezel is fitted with clear glass. This protects the dial. This model features a dial that measures 8 inches in diameter. This original dial is painted on a tin or zinc dial sheet. The company name and the city location are signed in block lettering. The movement is made of brass and is of excellent quality. It is weight-driven and features a recoil escapement. It is considered to be an accurate timekeeper. The movement is die-stamped on the front plate, “E. Howard & Company, Boston.” It is powered by the original cast iron weight and is designed to run eight days on a full wind. The pendulum rod is wood and supports a bass-faced lead bob. This bob is decorated with a concentric ring-turned design.
This example was made circa 1870.
Inventory number 214041.
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.
