Antique American Clocks January 2020
74. $1000
E. Howard & Co. “No. 4 Regulator”, ca. 1874. At 32 inches, the No. 4 banjo is 3 inches
longer than the more common No. 5, and has a 1-inch larger dial (8 inches). The mahogany case is grain-painted to give a rosewood
finish, and the graining remains here but the finish is old and could use a bit of polish. The hinge for the lower door appears
to have broken off and been nicely repaired (see photo). The glasses appear to be original, but may have been rebacked; the
dial is original, with some crackling, some fading, and a couple of small chips. It is signed and the hands are correct. The
movement is signed, the pendulum bob damascened but worn, there is a pendulum tie-down, the weight is numbered “4”. There is
an instruction label on the bottom. The clock is running just fine; there isn’t much to complain about here. I don’t see
that Horton’s has sold a Howard & Co. No. 4 banjo recently, but these have sold for $1200-$1700 in the last five years when in
top condition. $1200-$1500.