HOWARD & RICE ‘Boston Watch Co’ No 6214
Rare Waltham ‘Model 57’ frame finished with Howard’s lever escapement with upright pallets, circa 1858.
£2,995.00
Original heavy ‘Warranted Coin Silver’ openface case numbered 25. Fullplate keywound going-barrel movement with engraved signature and Liverpool-style engraved cock, jewelled to the 3rd (15 jewels in total). Unusual Howard detached lever escapement with distinctive pallet frame having large ‘upright’ jewels – see my drawing of the escapement. Steel balance, spiral balance-spring. What looks to be the original 2-piece dial with seconds at 6, moon hands. 52.5 mm diameter.
The E Howard Clock Co was founded in 1842 with the first American watch factory being built at Roxbury in 1845. The American Horologue Company was founded in 1850 by E Howard and A L Dennison, with financial backing from D P Davis, and the first production watches were completed in 1853. They were signed ‘Warren Manufacturing Co’ – this evolved into the Waltham ‘Model 1857.’ In 1854 The Warren Manufacturing Co, previously the American Horologue Co, was renamed the Boston Watch Co but it failed in 1857. Royal E Robbins and partners purchased the machinery and most of the inventory, but Edward Howard teamed with Chas Rice to remove about 500 watches that were already in progress to Roxbury – Both Robbins (Waltham) and Howard claim succession from the Boston Watch Co. During 1857-8 Howard finished the left over Boston Watch Company ‘Model 57’ material and marketed it under the name ‘Howard & Rice.’ Examples of the approx 500 finished watches are rare, even more so in what I believe is such original condition.
Apart from some light hair cracks in the dial this example appears not to have suffered changes or poor past repairs, nor has it been ‘improved’ as have so many of these rare watches, this example coming from an old and well established American family collection. It is also relatively unusual in being open-faced rather than hunter-cased. Rear cover with engraved cartouche (vacant) opening to around 85-90 degrees, so not strained in any way, and the cover and band show no signs of ever having been engine-turned. Because of its originality I have pictured it in its uncleaned condition. It is working when wound, though only sluggishly, so I am happy to have it freshly serviced for its new owner at no extra cost, if wanted.
Item reserved
Description
Original heavy ‘Warranted Coin Silver’ openface case numbered 25. Fullplate keywound going-barrel movement with engraved signature and Liverpool-style engraved cock, jewelled to the 3rd (15 jewels in total). Unusual Howard detached lever escapement with distinctive pallet frame having large ‘upright’ jewels – see my drawing of the escapement. Steel balance, spiral balance-spring. What looks to be the original 2-piece dial with seconds at 6, moon hands. 52.5 mm diameter.
The E Howard Clock Co was founded in 1842 with the first American watch factory being built at Roxbury in 1845. The American Horologue Company was founded in 1850 by E Howard and A L Dennison, with financial backing from D P Davis, and the first production watches were completed in 1853. They were signed ‘Warren Manufacturing Co’ – this evolved into the Waltham ‘Model 1857.’ In 1854 The Warren Manufacturing Co, previously the American Horologue Co, was renamed the Boston Watch Co but it failed in 1857. Royal E Robbins and partners purchased the machinery and most of the inventory, but Edward Howard teamed with Chas Rice to remove about 500 watches that were already in progress to Roxbury – Both Robbins (Waltham) and Howard claim succession from the Boston Watch Co. During 1857-8 Howard finished the left over Boston Watch Company ‘Model 57’ material and marketed it under the name ‘Howard & Rice.’ Examples of the approx 500 finished watches are rare, even more so in what I believe is such original condition.
Apart from some light hair cracks in the dial this example appears not to have suffered changes or poor past repairs, nor has it been ‘improved’ as have so many of these rare watches, this example coming from an old and well established American family collection. It is also relatively unusual in being open-faced rather than hunter-cased. Rear cover with engraved cartouche (vacant) opening to around 85-90 degrees, so not strained in any way, and the cover and band show no signs of ever having been engine-turned. Because of its originality I have pictured it in its uncleaned condition. It is working when wound, though only sluggishly, so I am happy to have it freshly serviced for its new owner at no extra cost, if wanted.
