E. Howard & Company Boston, Massachusetts. The Model No. 2 wall timepiece. 219041.
This attractive timepiece is cataloged as the Model Number 2 and was made by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts. It was originally cataloged as a "Bank, Office, or School Clock." Today, the public refers to it as a large “Banjo Clock.”
The E. Howard & Company offered five different sizes of this Banjo form. This example is second to the largest size of the five. The largest size is called the Model Number 1 Regulator, and it measures 50 inches in length. The smallest example of the five is the Model Number 5, which measures 29 inches long. This Model Number 2 is the most difficult of the five Howard-sized banjo clocks to find. It measures 3 feet 8 inches long.
Traditionally, the Howard Clock Company constructed their banjo cases in cherry wood and decorated them or faux-grained them with India ink to simulate the rich grain pattern exhibited in rosewood. This is true of this example, and the faux graining remains in good original condition. The frames are fitted with reverse-painted tablets or glasses in black, gold, and red. These are the traditional E. Howard color combinations. The tablets in this example are original to this clock and are in good original condition, having some areas of restoration to the fields of color.
The iron dial is painted and measures 10 inches in diameter. The Maker signs this in script lettering.
The movement is made of brass and is of excellent quality. It is die-stamped on the front plate with the Maker’s name, “E. Howard & Co. / Boston.” The movement is weight-driven and features a recoil escapement. This movement is considered by many to be an accurate timekeeper. The original weight is cast in iron. The brass bob features a ring-turned design. The bob is supported by the original wooden rod. The Maker's set-up label remains pasted on the inside of the case on the bottom board.
This clock was made circa 1865 and is an excellent example.
Inventory number 219041.
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.
