E. Howard & Co. No 1 Regulator. Watchmakers' Bank and Public Office Clock. 224157.
The E. Howard Clock Company's Model Number 1 wall clock stands out for its impressive size and design. Originally sold as a watchmaker's regulator, it was also promoted as "well adapted for banks, insurance offices, and large rooms," making it a striking piece for any setting.
The E. Howard & Company offered five graduating sizes of this banjo form. This example is the largest of the five sizes, measuring 4 feet 2 inches long and featuring a 12-inch-diameter dial. For comparison, the smallest example measures 29 inches and is called the Model Number 5.
Howard banjo cases are usually made from cherry wood and finished with a faux grain pattern in India ink to look like rosewood. This clock keeps that tradition and its grain pattern is in excellent original condition. The frames have restored reverse-painted glass tablets in the classic black, gold, and red colors of E. Howard & Company. The 12-inch iron dial is painted and protected by glass in the bezel. It is signed in block letters: "E. Howard & Co. / BOSTON." As the largest model, it also features a subsidiary seconds dial, which the other four models do not have.
The clock's weight-driven movement is made of high-quality brass with sturdy rectangular plates. The maker's name is die-stamped on the front plate, and the backplate is attached to the backboard with brass tabs. This movement runs for eight days on a full wind and includes weight power, a Graham Dead Beat Escapement, a Geneva Stop winding mechanism, and maintaining power gearing. The original drive weight is iron. The gilded cherry wood pendulum rod is supported by a bridge on the front of the movement, and its suspension uses two springs in brass blocks. You can see the rod through the waist glass and the bob, decorated with concentric damascene designs, through the lower glass. A brass tie-down secures the bob to the weight board. Remnants of the original clockmaker's setup label are still pasted inside the case.
This clock, made circa 1870, is a testament to precision engineering. The E. Howard Clock Company's Model Number 1 has proven to be a very accurate timekeeper, a quality that has stood the test of time.
Inventory number 224157.
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.
