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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tower clock movement

E. Howard Round Top Tower Clock

Partially verified

This large tower clock mechanism by E. Howard & Co. of Boston, Massachusetts, features arched pierced cast iron side frames. According to the auction catalog, it is constructed with a Graham deadbeat escapement, maintaining power, and a rack and snail hour strike train. The assembly includes a round iron ball pendulum bob suspended on a 34-inch wooden rod, an upper column supporting partial dial gearing mounts, and an air fly governor. The source notes the clock is numbered 5 at the top of the beat adjustment plate and measures approximately 67 inches high by 47.5 inches wide by 30.5 inches deep.

Full view of the E. Howard round top tower clock mechanism and cast iron frame
Full view of the E. Howard round top tower clock mechanism and cast iron frame — Fontaine's Auction Gallery. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Tower clock movement
Maker / attribution
E. Howard & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
250
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
5

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

Frame Architecture and Inscriptions

The clock movement is built with large arched-top, pierced decorated cast-iron plates that rest on four flanged feet. The plates are signed "E. Howard & Co., Boston, Mass.", and the catalog reports that the clock is numbered "5" at the top of the beat adjustment plate.

The catalog records physical measurements of 67 inches high by 47.5 inches wide by 30.5 inches deep. Visual inspection reveals an openwork frame structure, a central vertical tower mount rising from the top with bevel gearing, and dark cast iron construction.

Evidence for this section
  • “Large arched top pierced decorated cast iron plates signed “E. Howard & Co., Boston, Mass.””
  • “clock is numbered “5” at the top of the beat adjustment plate”
  • “Measures: 67 in. high x 47.5 in. wide x 30.5 in. deep.”
  • “Dark cast iron arched frame with openwork supports standing on four flanged feet.”
  • “Central vertical tower mount atop the frame with bevel gearing.”

Escapement, Striking Work, and Motion

According to the source, the movement features a Graham deadbeat escapement, maintaining power, and a rack and snail hour strike mechanism. A spherical iron ball pendulum bob is suspended beneath the works on a 34-inch wooden rod.

Visual observation indicates a fan-shaped air fly governor extending to the upper right side of the mechanism, serving the striking train. The catalog also specifies that a crank is included with the lot.

Evidence for this section
  • “has Graham deadbeat escapement, maintaining power, rack and snail hour strike mechanism”
  • “iron ball pendulum bob on a 34 in. wood stick”
  • “Visible fan-shaped air fly governor extending to the upper right side.”
  • “Spherical pendulum bob hanging beneath the central movement works.”
  • “has crank”

Dial Mounts and Condition Notes

The movement is fitted with a partial four-dial mount at the top, accompanied by a separate four-dial gear cluster; however, the source notes that the brackets do not fit this separate cluster.

The lot is cataloged in "as found" condition from an estate as a restoration project (misprinted as "nice respiration project" in the source). The auction description further records a 3-tooth repair to the rear power gear of the strike mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “Partial 4 dial mount on top with separate 4 dial gear cluster (brackets don’t fit)”
  • “has a 3 tooth repair to the rear power gear for the strike mechanism”
  • “As found in the estate, nice respiration project”

Open research questions

  • Does the stamped number '5' at the top of the beat adjustment plate correspond to an E. Howard model size designation, a production run, or an individual serial number?
  • Was the separate four-dial gear cluster originally associated with this specific E. Howard frame, or is it from a different tower clock installation?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for E. Howard Round Top Tower Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker InscriptionE. Howard & Co., Boston, Mass.“signed “E. Howard & Co., Boston, Mass.””
Escapement TypeGraham deadbeat escapement“has Graham deadbeat escapement”
Strike MechanismRack and snail hour strike mechanism“rack and snail hour strike mechanism”
PendulumIron ball pendulum bob on a 34-inch wood stick“iron ball pendulum bob on a 34 in. wood stick”
Numbering5“clock is numbered “5” at the top of the beat adjustment plate”
Dimensions67 in. high x 47.5 in. wide x 30.5 in. deep“Measures: 67 in. high x 47.5 in. wide x 30.5 in. deep.”
Included AccessoryCrank“has crank”
Gearing Defect3-tooth repair on the rear strike power gear“has a 3 tooth repair to the rear power gear for the strike mechanism”
Dial Cluster IssueBrackets do not fit separate 4-dial gear cluster“Partial 4 dial mount on top with separate 4 dial gear cluster (brackets don’t fit)”

Visible details

  • Dark cast iron arched frame with openwork supports standing on four flanged feet.
  • Central vertical tower mount atop the frame with bevel gearing.
  • Visible fan-shaped air fly governor extending to the upper right side.
  • Spherical pendulum bob hanging beneath the central movement works.

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the brackets do not fit the separate 4-dial gear cluster.
  • A 3-tooth repair is reported on the rear strike mechanism power gear.
  • Described as an 'as found' restoration project.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: E. Howard Round Top Tower Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3d4f24cff9

Terms in this record

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