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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Pocket watch movement

E. Howard & Co. N size Series V No 2 pocket watch movement

Partially verified

This is an E. Howard & Co., Boston pocket watch movement catalogued as an N size Series V, No 2 key-wound and key-set mechanism dating to circa 1868. Built with a gilt three-quarter plate configuration and a lever escapement, it is engraved with the manufacturer's name, serial number 13856, the letter 'N', and Reed's patent marking dated July 1866. Measuring 45.7 mm in diameter by 8 mm deep, the movement features an engraved balance cock, blued screws, a split bimetallic balance, and an indexed regulator scale marked Slow and Fast.

Top-down view of the gilt three-quarter plate E. Howard & Co. pocket watch movement showing balance assembly, regulator, and engraved inscriptions
Top-down view of the gilt three-quarter plate E. Howard & Co. pocket watch movement showing balance assembly, regulator, and engraved inscriptions — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Movement · Pocket watch movement
Maker / attribution
E. Howard & Co.
Reference
Series V, No 2
Catalogue / lot identifier
MA158 (AB-246858)
Source-reported date
c1868
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
13856

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Markings

The movement is a gilt brass mechanism engraved with manufacturer details, model sizing, and patent references. The main plate is signed 'E Howard & Co, Boston, 13856', indicating the maker and serial designation. It is also marked with the letter 'N', alongside the seller's classification as a 'series V, No 2 movement'.

The plate is additionally inscribed 'Reeds Patent, Patent July 1866'. Physical observation of the movement confirms the stamped 'N' and engraved signatures alongside foliate scrollwork on the balance cock and blued assembly screws.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is signed “E Howard & Co, Boston, 13856””
  • “The movement is marked with an N.”
  • “This is a series V, No 2 movement”
  • “also “Reeds Patent, Patent July 1866”
  • “Gilt plate visibly stamped with the letter 'N' and engraved with 'E. Howard & Co. Boston' and '13856'”

Mechanism and Regulation

The mechanism is constructed in a gilt three-quarter plate configuration with a lever escapement. Identified as a 'key wound / key set movement', winding and setting arbors are accessible through the plate.

Regulation is provided by an engraved balance cock and a long blued steel index regulator pointing to an engraved graduated arc marked 'SLOW' and 'FAST'. The seller states that the balance and spring are intact and will tick for a short period; ongoing timekeeping accuracy has not been independently verified.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement – the gilt ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement”
  • “This is a key wound / key set movement”
  • “The movement has a good balance and spring and will tick for a short while”
  • “Long blued steel index regulator pointing to an engraved 'SLOW / FAST' graduated arc”

Reported Dial and Listing Discrepancies

The listing description details an accompanying white enamel dial signed 'E. Howard & Co, Boston' with 'a full set of blue steel hands' and hairlines. However, the provided photographic record only displays the uncased movement from the top plate side, leaving the dial and hands unverified by visual observation.

A documentation conflict appears in the source data: the listing title describes the piece as 'N size Series III 15 Jewel E Howard & Co Series V movement c1868', whereas the descriptive text specifies 'series V, No 2'. Jewel count is neither inscribed on the visible plate nor stated in the listing body.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial – the white enamel has a full set of blue steel hands. It is signed “E. Howard & Co, Boston””
  • “The dial is in 80% mint condition - hairlines”
  • “N size Series III 15 Jewel E Howard & Co Series V movement c1868 in Antique Mens Watches”
  • “This is a series V, No 2 movement”

Open research questions

  • What explains the listing title's mention of 'Series III 15 Jewel' in contrast to the description classifying the movement as 'Series V, No 2'?
  • Is the referenced white enamel dial with blued steel hands present with movement serial 13856?
  • What is the jeweling configuration across the escapement and train beneath the plates?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for E. Howard & Co. N size Series V No 2 pocket watch movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and originE. Howard & Co., Boston“The movement is signed “E Howard & Co, Boston, 13856””
Model seriesSeries V, No 2“This is a series V, No 2 movement”
Plate designGilt 3/4 plate“Movement – the gilt ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement”
Size designationN size“The movement is marked with an N.”
Patent inscriptionReeds Patent, Patent July 1866“also “Reeds Patent, Patent July 1866”
Dimensions45.7mm wide x 8mm deep“The movement measures 45.7mm wide x 8mm deep”
Winding configurationKey wound and key set“This is a key wound / key set movement”
Dimensions45.7 mm wide x 8 mm deep“The movement measures 45.7mm wide x 8mm deep”
Dealer condition descriptionDescribed as 90% mint condition with age-related tarnish“The movement is in 90% mint condition – a superb example with just age related tarnish”

Visible details

  • Engraved balance cock with foliate scrollwork and blued mounting screws
  • Long blued steel index regulator pointing to an engraved 'SLOW / FAST' graduated arc
  • Gilt plate visibly stamped with the letter 'N' and engraved with 'E. Howard & Co. Boston' and '13856'
  • Open winding and setting arbors configured for key operation

Research qualifications

  • The dial mentioned in the dealer text is not shown in the provided photographs
  • Listing title mentions both 'Series III 15 Jewel' and 'Series V movement', though the description specifically identifies it as Series V, No 2

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

N size Series III 15 Jewel E Howard & Co Series V movement c1868 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 70b7f3b335

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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