Antique American Clocks January 2022
253. $250
Howard & Davis “No. 4 Regulator”, ca. 1857. This is one size larger than the most common form
of this iconic banjo, the No. 5; the No. 4 is 32 inches long with a cherry case that is grain-painted to resemble rosewood. The grain painting is remarkably well retained on this clock and is overcoated with a clear gloss. All three glasses are old;
the dial glass appears to be held in with the original putty, the throat glass has been rebacked and is possibly a replacement, and
the opening in the tablet glass is larger than is typically seen with H&D banjos and may be a substitution. The dial is
a replacement and the paint is peeling off like rats from a sinking ship; the hands are possibly correct. My understanding is
that H&D dials were paper prints on zinc dials, so this should not be difficult to restore. The 8-day time-only movement
is signed “Howard & Davis Boston” and is running steadily. The pendulum stick is a replacement overlaid on a traditional
banjo rod, painted gold; the weight is a replacement as is the weight shield. The replacement dial pan is a weakness here, with
some question about the glasses. Nonetheless, the movement and the case are of some value. These clocks typically sell
for around $800. $250-$500.