E. Howard & Co. Model No. 70-12 wall clock. Boston, MA. 226209.
This Model 70 is in excellent condition overall. The case is made of ash and has a very light finish. If you prefer light-colored cases, this one stands out. This versatile wall clock is easily displayed in a home office or kitchen, adding a classic touch to a common item.
The 12-inch dial is painted on a zinc pan and is original to the clock. The maker’s name appears in block letters above the hour numeral VI. Behind the dial is the weight-driven movement.
The movement is made of brass and is of high quality. Howard Clock Company guaranteed this clock would not vary by more than a minute per month. The plates are nickel-finished. The maker’s name and model number “70” are die-stamped on the front plate. The screws in the movement are blued. The escapement uses a recoil design, and the drive weight is cast iron. The wooden pendulum rod holds a brass-covered zinc bob, decorated with rings, which is original to the clock. The pendulum swings in front of a black wooden weightboard. The original reverse-painted tablet features the traditional Howard colors: black, red, and gold. This clock runs for eight days on a full wind.
This clock was made around 1910. The case is about 32 inches long.
The Model 70 was a popular clock. It was widely used in the Boston Public School System, throughout Greater New York, and in many other places as the Standard School Clock. The United States Government reportedly specified it as the “Standard for all Public Buildings.” This model was also seen in many railroad stations, including the Elevated Railroad Stations of New York City, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, the Central Railroad of New Jersey, the West Shore Railroad of Boston & Albany, and nearly all railroad companies across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Inventory number 226029.
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.
