E. Howard & Company Model No. 5-Square bottom wall timepiece or “Banjo clock.” ZZ-29.
This Model No. 5 – Square (bottom) was included in the 1858 E. Howard clock catalog. It was originally marketed for use in Dining Rooms, Offices, and small apartments. Both Howard & Davis, and then the E. Howard Clock Company manufactured this model. Most examples seen today are signed by Howard & Davis. It is difficult to find one signed by the E. Howard Clock Co. Based on the clock's construction, it must have been made shortly after Howard & Davis became the E. Howard firm was established in 1858.
This Model No. 5-Square is built to the Model No. 5 (Standard) dimensions. This example is unusual because the bottom section of the case is a square box, unlike the more common rounded sides. Very few square-bottom clocks were produced compared to the rounded-base versions. The Model No. 5 is the smallest of the five banjo models this firm made. It measures 29 inches long, 10.25 inches wide in the lower box, and just under 4 inches deep. The dial is about 7 inches in diameter. The other four models were made on a graduated scale. The largest is cataloged as the No. 1 Regulator. This regulator is about 50 inches long, 20 inches wide across the lower box, and has a 12-inch diameter dial. All models are traditionally crafted in cherry wood and grained with ink to simulate rosewood's vibrant pattern.
This is an excellent example. The movement is made of brass and is of high quality. It is mounted to the case from the back with a single screw. The brass plates retain their original damascene design. The front plate is not die-stamped, unlike most clocks of this form. The works are weight-powered and use a recoil escapement. This clock is considered accurate for its small size. The pendulum hangs from a bridge mounted to the top of the movement. It has a wooden rod. The lead bob is covered in brass, and its motion can be seen through the opening in the lower tablet. The brass bob retains much of its original damascene decoration.
The zinc dial measures about 7 inches in diameter. The dial graphics are printed on paper and applied to the zinc pan. The dial is signed in the Maker's script. The working location is printed in block letters. It reads, “E. Howard & Co. / BOSTON.”
The case is made of cherry and retains much of its original grain-painted decoration. The applied ink pattern simulates rosewood grain. The glasses are reverse-painted in the traditional Howard & Davis colors of black and gold. The black fields have been restored. The gold appears original. The center of the tri-circle in the lower glass is left undecorated. Through this clear section, one can see the brass-faced bob. The pendulum swings in front of a wooden weight board that separates it from the weight.
This fine clock was made circa 1858.
Inventory number ZZ-29.
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.
