E. Howard & Co. Model No. 5. The banjo. The smallest size of 5. 216061.
This attractive timepiece is called the Model Number 5. It was made by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts.
The E. Howard & Company offered five sizes of this very popular banjo form. This example is the smallest of the five. It is the model most commonly found. The largest size is called the Model Number 1.
This Number 5 size has very pleasing proportions. The case is approximately 29 inches long and constructed in cherry. The cherrywood retains its original grain-painted decoration. (Howard banjo clock cases were originally grained with India ink to simulate the rich look of the grain found in rosewood.) The frames and lower board are stamped “100” by the cabinetmaking shop. The frames are also fitted with reverse-painted tablets or glasses. This black, gold, and red painted design is formatted in the traditional E. Howard color combinations. The glasses in this example have been professionally restored. The movement is made of brass and is of excellent quality. It is weight-driven and has a recoil escapement. It is a very accurate timekeeper for its small size. The movement is die-stamped on the front plate, “E. Howard & Company, Boston.” The painted iron dial measures seven inches in diameter. It is signed in a script letter format. The original weight is cast iron. The brass bob features a ring-turned design. It is supported by the original wooden rod. Remnants of the Maker’s setup label remain inside the case and are pasted to the bottom board.
This clock was made circa 1870.
Inventory number 216061.
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.
