John L. Sullivan’s clock—a custom-made Howard regulator, possibly one of only six ever produced. 225074.
Nearly fifty years ago, I first heard the story while standing before a nearly identical—perhaps even this very—clock. It was said to have been made for John L. Sullivan, the last bare-knuckle heavyweight champion of the world. John L. Sullivan, born in 1858 in Roxbury, Massachusetts, was a legendary figure in American boxing. Known as the "Boston Strong Boy," he became both the last heavyweight champion of bare-knuckle boxing and the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxing. Sullivan's reign from 1882 to 1892 marked a turning point in the sport, and his 1889 victory over Jake Kilrain in the last officially sanctioned bare-knuckle bout became the stuff of legend. Revered for his power and charisma, Sullivan helped elevate boxing's popularity in the United States and became one of the most recognized athletes of his era. After retiring, his larger-than-life persona continued to shape public perceptions of prizefighting. Being a young boy, of course, I took note of the name John L. Sullivan as a boxer. In the 1970s, heavyweight boxing was at its pinnacle with names like Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, and Larry Holmes always seemed to be in the news. According to the tale, six were created and awarded to Sullivan as part of a prize purse for a fight.
The clocks associated with Sullivan, such as this Howard regulator, serve as rare artifacts that link the worlds of sport, craftsmanship, and American cultural history.
E. Howard & Co., established in 1842 by Edward Howard, was a prominent American clock and watch manufacturer based in Boston, Massachusetts. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality timepieces, both for domestic and commercial use, including wall regulators, tower clocks, and pocket watches. E. Howard & Co.'s innovative designs and precision engineering set new standards in American horology. By the late nineteenth century, the company was widely recognized for its craftsmanship, with its clocks found in schools, train stations, and public buildings across the country. The custom regulator clocks, such as the one associated with John L. Sullivan, reflect the company's willingness to fulfill unique commissions and its ability to blend technical excellence with bespoke artistry. Today, E. Howard & Co. clocks are highly prized by collectors and historians for their historical and technical significance.
The clock was made by the E. Howard & Co., of Boston, Massachusetts. The Howard Company had built a National reputation for making fine clocks. It had an extensive catalog of models, which were sold across the country from sales rooms in Boston, New York, and Chicago. In addition to catalog models, they were willing to manufacture custom-designed clocks to the customer's desires. This case appears to be a custom order since it is not included in the Howard catalogs.
The running gear is standard Howard fare. The original 10-inch dial, painted on zinc, is signed “E. HOWARD & CO. / BOSTON.” Behind it lies the 8-day, weight-driven, number 3-size movement, mounted to the back of the case with brass tabs. The front plate bears the company’s die-stamp. The escapement is a recoil mechanism, and the pendulum hangs from a bridge mounted on the front plate. The pendulum rod is made of seasoned cherry, with a gilded section visible through the front door. The pendulum bob retains its original Howard concentric circle design, and its original lacquer remains intact
This is a large clock measuring 60 inches long. Its black walnut case preserves an older, highly polished finish, and the woodwork features several traditional Howard motifs, most notably in the carvings. Of the six reportedly made, I have encountered three examples over the past fifty years, including one that has surfaced for sale three times.
Inventory number 225074.
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.
