E. Howard & Co. Model No. 59-9 Vienna-style wall clock. 224067.
According to E. Howard Clock Company catalogs offered four different sizes of Model No. 59. This particular mid-size version is noticeably missing from their catalog, making it unusual. Records document this model, referred to as the 59-9, only once—an order placed in 1880 and sent to their Boston store, as my brother John discovered during his research of the remaining E. Howard Clock Company records. The case of this uncommon size measures 4 feet 3 inches in length, compared to the smallest version, which features a 6-inch dial and a 36-inch long case. E. Howard offered variations of Model No. 59 in oak, ash, cherry, or walnut.
With high expectations, the company shipped the first Model No. 59 to their New York office on May 15, 1874. They dubbed it "the new number 5," their best-selling banjo model. However, production numbers for Model No. 59 remained low over the 27 years that E. Howard's records survived, documenting approximately 325 Model No. 59 clocks produced. The last clock in this series was crafted on May 25, 1898. In the 1880s, prices for these clocks ranged from $25 to $60. Today, the market occasionally sees the No. 59 model.
The clock's primary case wood is black walnut, which maintains a consistent finish with excellent graining. Howard selected tiger maple for the clock's weight box, showcasing an unusual and attractive grain pattern. The design incorporates ebonized columns and trim moldings. Six wooden finials are elegantly turned, with carvings adorning the three lower finials. The pendulum rod, crafted from seasoned cherry and finished in gilt paint, supports a damascened nickeled bob. A tie-down is mounted at the bottom of the case to stabilize the pendulum during transport.
A wooden trim ring elegantly frames the outer edge of the 9-inch diameter dial. The dial is painted on zinc and features Roman-style hour numerals along with a closed minute ring. The signature appears in block-style lettering and reads, "E. HOWARD & CO. / BOSTON." The open-moon style hands were a popular choice for Howard's smaller clocks.
The high-quality brass, weight-driven movement is engineered to run for eight days when fully wound. The maker's name and working location appear die-stamped in the upper left corner of the front plate. This fine example dates back to around 1880.
Dimensions: Length 51" Width 17" Depth 7"
Inventory number 224067.
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.
