E. Howard & Co., No. 17? Boston, Massachusetts. A Marble Dial wall clock. 221167.
The E. Howard & Co designed marble-fronted clocks for use in hotels, libraries, churches, banking rooms, railroad depots, and other large interiors. The distinctness of these dials and the ease with which they are kept clean, thanks to their glassless design, has earned these clocks an excellent reputation for their appearance and durability. This is an uncatalogued example, but it is very similar in formatting to the Model 16. The difference in the design between these two clocks is in the wing detail below the dial. The cataloged model features wings that are turned towards the ground. This model has its wings pointed upwards.
The front of this clock is made from a single piece of marble about 1 inch thick, attached to a wooden frame that makes up the case. The stone has unique graining. The marble also serves as the dial, which is about 19 inches across and painted on the front. The time ring has a closed minute track and large Roman numerals, and the hands are in the classic Howard style.
The clock has an eight-day, weight-driven brass movement of very good quality. The maker’s name is die-stamped on the front plate and reads, “E. HOWARD & CO / BOSTON / 27.” The Geneva stop work is visible on the right side of the front plate. A rod above the movement is used to adjust the clock’s rate; it connects from the top of the case to the pendulum. A knurled nut at the top lets you adjust the speed. The pendulum hangs in front of the movement and has a wooden rod and a zinc bob, both covered in decorative brass. You can see the bob through a round window in the lower part of the case. To start the clock, slide the lever at the bottom so it touches the pendulum and sets it in motion.
The case is 34 inches long.
This clock was made circa 1865.
Inventory number 221167.
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.
