Howard & Davis Model No. 2. A wall timepiece. FFF-6.
This Model Number 2 clock is rare among the five Howard & Davis style banjo clock sizes. It measures 3 feet 8 inches long and is the second-largest of the five models.
The Howard & Davis firm, a significant entity in the history of American clockmaking, was formed in Boston, Massachusetts, by Edward Howard and David Potter Davis in 1842. Both men served their apprenticeship to Aaron Willard Jr. in Roxbury, Massachusetts, a renowned clockmaker of the time. Together, E. Howard and D. Davis built a reputation for producing exceptionally high-quality items, including clocks, fire pumpers, postal or balance scales, and other measuring devices. In 1854, the Howard & Davis firm dissolved. It appears David P. Davis continued the business alone at 15 Washington Street. Edward Howard formed the E. Howard Clock Company and enjoyed many prosperous years making clocks and later watches. This example is typical of the type of clock they produced.
The case is made of cherry. The outer surfaces are faux-grained with Indian ink—a process where ink is applied to the case with a feather. The intention is to simulate the grain pattern exhibited in the exotic wood called rosewood. This example is exuberantly grained and has an excellent surface. The upper bezel is made of wood and is nicely formed. It is fitted with glass and opens to access the 10-inch dial.
The dial is paper and applied to a zinc pan. The calligraphy features a Roman numeral time track and a block-style signature. This dial is in excellent original condition.
The weight-driven movement, a testament to the Howard & Davis Company's commitment to quality, is made of brass and is of excellent craftsmanship. Brass rectangular-shaped plates support the steel shafts, polished pinions, brass gearing, and recoil escapement, all of which are in superb condition. The front plate is die-stamped with the Maker's name. It reads, "Howard & / Davis / Boston." This movement is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It is powered by a cast iron weight with the Number "2" on the front surface. The pendulum rod is made of gold-painted wood. It supports a bob that is zinc and covered in brass. The bob retains much of its original spotting decoration.
The throat and lower tablets are original to this clock and are in excellent condition. They are decorated in the traditional Howard & Davis colors of black and gold. Inside this case are the original weight board and pendulum tie-down.
The Howard & Davis Company made this outstanding example circa 1855.
Inventory number FFF-6.
The Howard & Davis firm was formed in Boston, Massachusetts, by Edward Howard and David Porter Davis in 1842. Both men were trained and served their apprenticeship in clockmaking to Aaron Willard Jr. of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Their partnership lasted approximately ten years. From 1844 through 1847, Luther S. Stephenson joined the partnership, which was then called Stephenson, Howard & Davis. It is now currently thought that the Howard & Davis name was only used after Stephenson departed. The Howard & Davis Clock Company was located at No 34 Water Street. Here they built a reputation for building very high-quality items, which included various forms of high-grade clocks and precision balances or scales. Banks used gold standard balances. Letter balances were built under contract for the United States Government. These were used in state and county offices. Town standards (scales) and Druggist's balances were also manufactured along with the necessary weights. The company also made sewing machines and fire pumpers. In 1857, the Howard & Davis firm was dissolved when D. P. Davis left to pursue other ventures. In 1857, Davis was part of Davis, Polsey & Co. This firm identified itself as the "late Howard and Davis." They manufactured clocks and a line of pull cord, pin registration watch clocks. This firm lasted until 1860. Posley continued to make these clocks on his own. In 1858, E. Howard began to sign his clocks, E. Howard & Co. This firm enjoyed many prosperous years making clocks and later watches until he retired in 1881.
