E. Howard & Co. N size Series V No 2 pocket watch movement
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c1868
This is an E. Howard & Co., Boston pocket watch movement catalogued as an N size Series V, No 2 key-wound and key-set mechanism dating to circa 1868. Built with a gilt three-quarter plate configuration and a lever escapement, it is engraved with the manufacturer's name, serial number 13856, the letter 'N', and Reed's patent marking dated July 1866.
Measuring 45.7 mm in diameter by 8 mm deep, the movement features an engraved balance cock, blued screws, a split bimetallic balance, and an indexed regulator scale marked Slow and Fast.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Pocket watch movement
- Dimensions
- 45.7mm wide x 8mm deep
- Model series
- Series V, No 2
- Plate design
- Gilt 3/4 plate
- Place recorded
- United States
- Maker and origin
- E. Howard & Co., Boston
- Size designation
- N size
- Patent inscription
- Reeds Patent, Patent July 1866
- Maker / attribution
- E. Howard & Co.
Design
- Visible features
- • Engraved balance cock with foliate scrollwork and blued mounting screws • Long blued steel index regulator pointing to an engraved 'SLOW / FAST' graduated arc • Gilt plate visibly stamped with the letter 'N' and engraved with 'E. Howard & Co. Boston' and '13856' • Open winding and setting arbors configured for key operation
- Identity and Markings
- The movement is a gilt brass mechanism engraved with manufacturer details, model sizing, and patent references. The main plate is signed 'E Howard & Co, Boston, 13856', indicating the maker and serial designation. It is also marked with the letter 'N', alongside the seller's classification as a 'series V, No 2 movement'. The plate is additionally inscribed 'Reeds Patent, Patent July 1866'. Physical observation of the movement confirms the stamped 'N' and engraved signatures alongside foliate scrollwork on the balance cock and blued assembly screws.
- Mechanism and Regulation
- The mechanism is constructed in a gilt three-quarter plate configuration with a lever escapement. Identified as a 'key wound / key set movement', winding and setting arbors are accessible through the plate. Regulation is provided by an engraved balance cock and a long blued steel index regulator pointing to an engraved graduated arc marked 'SLOW' and 'FAST'. The seller states that the balance and spring are intact and will tick for a short period; ongoing timekeeping accuracy has not been independently verified.
- Reported Dial and Listing Discrepancies
- The listing description details an accompanying white enamel dial signed 'E. Howard & Co, Boston' with 'a full set of blue steel hands' and hairlines. However, the provided photographic record only displays the uncased movement from the top plate side, leaving the dial and hands unverified by visual observation. A documentation conflict appears in the source data: the listing title describes the piece as 'N size Series III 15 Jewel E Howard & Co Series V movement c1868', whereas the descriptive text specifies 'series V, No 2'. Jewel count is neither inscribed on the visible plate nor stated in the listing body.
Identification
- Reference
- Series V, No 2
- Serial number
- 13856
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The dial mentioned in the dealer text is not shown in the provided photographs
- Research required: Listing title mentions both 'Series III 15 Jewel' and 'Series V movement', though the description specifically identifies it as Series V, No 2