E. Howard & Co. Model No. 5. Boston, Massachusetts. A wall timepiece. 218042.
Howard offered five sizes of this very popular Banjo form. This example is the smallest of the five, measuring 29 inches long, and is the most commonly found. For comparison, the largest size is cataloged as the Model Number 1. Its case measures 50 inches in length.
The Number 5 size has very pleasing proportions measuring approximately 29 inches long. The case is constructed in cherry and retains its original grained-painted decoration. This decoration is in outstanding condition. (Howard banjo clock cases were originally grained with India ink. This was done to simulate the rich look of the grain found in rosewood.) The frames are fitted with reverse-painted tablets or glasses. The glasses have been professionally repainted. They feature the traditional E. Howard color combination of black, gold, and red are original to this example. The wooden dial bezel is fitted with glass and protects the dial and hands.
The painted iron dial measures seven inches in diameter. It is wonderfully signed in a script format. Open moon hands display the time.
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. Both plates retain their original scraping design. The front plate is die-stamped, “E. Howard & Company / Boston.” The original weight is cast iron. The brass bob features a ring-turned design. This bob is supported by the original wooden rod. The Maker's original setup label is in the case, pasted onto the bottom board.
This clock was made circa 1870 and is an outstanding early example.
Inventory number 218042.
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.
