E. Howard & Co. Model No. 42 in black walnut. Boston, Massachusetts. 225168.
This is the E. Howard Clock Company's Model Number 42. This example, the smallest of 5 individual sizes, measures approximately 3 feet 10 inches (46 inches) long. The catalog lists it as 44 inches long, and, interestingly, this is the fourth example we have owned that is this length. The production of this model was limited, with only 65 No. 42s manufactured from 1871 through 1880. The majority of these models were shipped to retail establishments in Pennsylvania and Ohio. As a comparison, Howard made 91 No. 5 banjos (the smallest size) in 1871 alone—a No. 5 sold for $20.
This series follows the same movement structure as found in Models 1-5 (banjos) and 6-10 (figure eight). The smallest size has a standard No. 5 movement. The largest size, the No. 38, features a No. 1 regulator movement with a sixty-beat second dial, a seconds pendulum, a deadbeat escapement, and retaining power. The largest example measures 72 inches in length and has a 14-inch dial. The No. 39 is 60 inches in length and features a 12-inch dial. The No. 40 is 52 inches long and features an 11-inch dial. The No. 41 is 48 inches long and has a 9-inch dial.
This case is constructed in black walnut and has been refinished to enhance the rich, warm tones of this premier wood. This case features applied carvings mounted to its top and bottom. Both of these are recreations of original forms and are expertly hand-carved. The long middle section of the case doubles as a door and is secured with a lock. The door design is complex. The lower sides of the panel feature canted edges that terminate in lamb's tongue moldings. An applied decorative panel provides a three-dimensional appearance to the door. In the upper section, a molded bezel is fitted with protective glass. The panel is nicely shaped in the lower section and is decorated with a series of Eastlake incised designs. A shaped molding frames the glass, which features the traditional Howard colors of black, red, and gold. The center section of this tablet features a thermometer-shaped opening that allows one to view the motion of the gilded pendulum rod and the brass-faced ring-turned bob. Behind the pendulum is a black-painted weight board. It provides a guide for the weight and protection for the pendulum. It also serves as a field of color for the pendulum to swing in front of. The clock's setup instructions are inside the case. The back of the door is also stamped with the number “8.”
This dial measures 8 inches in diameter and is painted on iron. This is an original dial. It is not signed. Roman-style figures mark each hour on a closed minute ring. This dial is applied to a dial board mounted to the case's structure. Open moon hands depict the time.
The weight-driven movement is brass and of exceptional quality, a testament to the craftsmanship of E. Howard & Co. The Maker's name can be found die-stamped into the front plate, a mark of quality and authenticity. The movement features a recoil escapement and is considered a very accurate timekeeper for its small size. The pendulum rod is made of seasoned cherry and retains most of its original gilding, showcasing the attention to detail in the clock's construction. The pendulum bob is zinc, covered in brass for compensation, and the brass is decorated with a ring turned design. The cast-iron weight is original to this clock. This clock is designed to run for eight days and was made circa 1875.
This series of Howard Wall models is the most Victorian-looking.
Inventory number 225168.
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.
