174.              $1600

Howard & Davis “No. 11 (keyhole) Regulator”, 1847-1859.  The precursor company to E. Howard & Co., they made a limited number of models and are most associated with the highly popular banjo regulators that were continued by E. Howard & Co.  This is the only example I can find of a keyhole regulator by this firm.  The walnut or mahogany case is 32 inches long with a clean finish; any rosewood graining that might have been present has been polished off.  The bottom of the case has been professionally replaced, no doubt due to a weight fall through the bottom.   Both glasses are old and wavy, but the dial glass may be a replacement.  The keyhole tablet is old with slight lifting and cracking of the paint.  H&D usually used paper dials, but this one was painted and recently repainted by The Dial House.  A picture of the original painted dial is on the back of the dial.  The moon hands are old but not necessarily original.  The 8-day, time-only movement is stamped “Howard & Davis, Boston” and has a proper gilded wooden pendulum stick and damascened brass bob; it is running nicely.  There is a cast iron weight, large brass pulley, and a tin weight shield. No labels.  A rare model, with no sales on LiveAuctioneers or the Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide.  $1600–$2500.

Andy Dervan informs me that this is clock was probably produced by George Hatch or his associates.  Hatch made various clocks like this with the movement mounted on a seatboard.  The dial signature is spurious and I would assume the movement is a replacement.  Paul Foley brought this to Andy's attention.

Thanks Andy, and Paul!