E. Howard & Co. Model No. 70-12. Walnut case. DDD-5.
This E. Howard & Company Model Number 70 features a case constructed in walnut, a wood seldom seen in this model. The vast majority of the 70 models were constructed in oak. The naturally darker walnut wood has a tighter grain structure and better figure. This wood features an older finish, and the lighter shade of brown color is excellent.
The clock's dial is zinc and measures 12 inches in diameter. It is paint-decorated and is in original condition. The dial format features a closed minute ring and large Roman-style hour numerals. The dial is signed in block lettering, E. HOWARD & CO. / BOSTON. Spade-shaped hands display the time. Behind the dial is the weight-driven movement.
The brass, eight-day, weight-driven clock mechanism is of excellent quality. The Howard Clock Company guaranteed this model not to vary more than one minute a month. The movement is secured in the case with a single screw that threads thru the backboard and into the backplate. Four-turned pillars support the two rectangular-shaped brass plates. The Maker's name and model number "70" are die-stamped into the front plate. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions, brass gearing, and recoil escapement. The pendulum hangs from the bridge on the front of the movement. A wooden rod supports a bob that is zinc and covered in brass. The brass covering retains its original damascene design. The bob swings in front of a painted wooden weight board and pendulum tie-down. The cast iron weight is stamped with the number "70." The lower door features a glass tablet that is painted from the back. The traditional E. Howard design and colors of black, red, and gold remain in good original condition.
This fine example was made circa 1900. It measures approximately 32 inches long.
Inventory number DDD-5.
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.
