E. Howard & Co. Model No. 7, Boston, Massachusetts. Figure Eight, "School, Office, and Bank Clocks." EEE-27.
This impressive wall timepiece is cataloged as the Model Number 7. It was manufactured by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts, and was originally marketed as "well adapted for banks, insurance offices, and large rooms." Of the five individual Howard Figure Eight forms, the No. 7 is arguably the most difficult size to find. As a result, it is the most essential version to locate if your goal is to assemble the entire set of five.
The No. 7 is second to the largest of five sizes. This black walnut case measures 4 feet 2 inches long. The wood and the finish have lightened over the last fifty years. As a result, the case color is lighter than most. The front of this case serves double duty. It is also a door. Please note the applied flat moldings that trim the edges of the middle section. Most figure eight forms are flat in this location. The door is hinged and swings to the right. The upper glass is clear and protects the dial. The middle tablet or throat glass is decorated in black and gold from the back. The center section is left clear so that you can view the motion of the gilt wooden pendulum rod. The lower circular tablet is painted in Howard's traditional black, red, and gold colors. The center of this is also left clear to view the brass-faced pendulum bob. Both painted painted tablets are in good original condition.
The heavy iron dial on this clock measures 12 inches in diameter and is in good original condition. A segmented minute ring frames the Roman-style hour numerals. The Company name is signed below the center arbor in block lettering. This original signature reads, "E. Howard & Co., / Boston."
The hands are designed with open diamonds out on the ends.
The weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. The Maker's name is die-stamped into the front plate in the upper left corner. The heavy plates are finely finished. This movement is designed with a recoil escapement. The pendulum is suspended from a bridge at the top of the movement. The rod is made from straight-grain cherry. Before it was constructed, the wood was appropriately seasoned and gilded. The 5.5-inch diameter bob is zinc and covered with a brass jacket. The brass is decorated with several engraved concentric rings. This bob swings in front of a red-painted weight board. The original cast iron weight is impressed with the number 2. This clock is designed to run for eight days on a full wind.
This clock was made circa 1875.
Inventory number EEE-27.
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.
