E. Howard & Co., Model No. 70-12 wall clock in walnut. 221147.
221147 Howard & Co. Model No., 70-12. Walnut case.
This Model Number 70 is in very good condition. The case is constructed in walnut, which is a wood that is seldom seen in this model. The vast majority of the 70 models were made in oak. The darker wood has a very masculine appearance. The case has been re-finished and now has a crisp and clean appearance. The 12-inch diameter dial is painted on zinc and is original to this clock. It has had some minor restoration in a few areas and has experienced some small losses. The Maker’s name is signed in block letters above the numeral “six.” The weight-driven movement is brass and of very good quality. This movement is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It features a recoil escapement. The Maker's name and model number 70 are die-stamped into the front plate. The weight that powers the clock is cast iron and is also die-stamped with the number 70. This is original to this clock. The pendulum rod is made of wood and is painted black. The zinc bob is covered in brass, and the damascene decoration applied to it is in good original condition. The glass in the lower door has been professionally re-painted. It is in the traditional Howard colors of black, red, and gold.
This fine example was made circa 1900. It measures approximately 32 inches long.
Inventory number 221147.
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.
