E. Howard and Co., Boston, extremely fine "Astronomical Regulator No. 74", C.1874, with 4-legged gravity escapement, mov't exceptionally well jeweled, including the front and rear pivots for both gravity arms, the lifting piece of both gravity arms and the stop surface for the 'scape wheel on both arms. The gravity escapement was Howard's most expensive option available on movements for both observatory timepieces and tower clocks, and it is rare to find the jewelling this extensive. There are engravings inside the maintaining power wheel: "L.P.E 1874,, cleaned 3-1884 LPE,, put up in supt's office 3-1892-LPE,, CLD 1-1900 LPE,, New Wire Cord 1902 LPE". LPE most assuredly refers to L. P. Emerson, Foreman of the movement department at the Howard Clock Factory. Dana Blackwell reported that Emerson was also in charge of setting up special trains and escapements. Clock retains original signed 24 hour dial. The laboratory style case is actually a double-door cover that attaches to the back in two pieces, held on with screws from the side; normal access is through the front doors. This lot is accompanied by two pendulums. — Antique Clocks Price Guide

Brand: Howard, E and Co
Availability: Discontinued

Wall Howard, E and Co United States auction

Price Record

Sale date 5/15/2010

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Maker Howard, E and Co
Model Astronomical Regulator No. 74
Type Wall
Country United States
Price type auction
Date 5/15/2010
Source R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts

Description

overall very good original condition. The original pendulum is included with the clock, but was chemically damaged and a first class copy of that pendulum was constructed. You get the old suspension spring blocks, bob, rod and components for comparison. The new bob is filled with lead shot, but may be filled with mercury at your choice [no mercury included]. The dial has some minor flakes perhaps from careless winding, but the surface paint is otherwise good. The numerals and signature are very good, with some minor losses from setting. The case itself is in good condition, original finish is uniformly crazed finish, w/ lifting on the top, and flaked in narrow lines at the case joints and edges. Some models of the 74 have a full cast iron back board, while this one retains its original back of walnut. It is still exceedingly heavy and requires a proper attachment to the wall. Signed mov't is clean and in running order. 1874 was the year of the Transit of Venus when Howard made 6 similar clocks for the Naval Observatory; perhaps this was a prototype, with Emerson in charge of the project. Ht 60"

Record courtesy of R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts