February 08, 2014, 13:04
Todd DonovanE. Howard Series IV
Hello, I'm brand new to the forum and am really impressed with all the great watch images posted here.
I'm way out of my depth on this subject and am hoping to get some details about this Howard Series IV, S# 43635. The case has no "brand mark", just three hallmarks and the serial number. Also, from what I've read, the movement has no "adjusted" markings and so is adjusted only to isochronism? I'd appreciate any details you can provide!
February 08, 2014, 13:09
Todd DonovanLarger hallmarks - I can't even tell what they are!
February 08, 2014, 13:26
Jon HartHello Todd
What a beauty!
You have a 18k Solid Gold case (crown & 18k stamped) - worth a pretty penny or two

The umbrella hands nicely top off the dial
18sz - N (IV) series movement with golden gilded plates - fairly low serial # made roughly in the mid - 1870s - my guess would be 15 jewels
February 08, 2014, 14:35
Ken HabeebTodd -- Early Howards weren't adjusted to any greater degree than isochronism until later series. And yes, an attractive watch (he says deadpan).
kh
February 08, 2014, 15:19
Tom Bruntonsheeesh!! What a beautiful watch !!!!

February 08, 2014, 19:05
Theodore J. Brown Sr.What a beautiful Howard!Looks like it wasn't ever carried.Doesn't the "N" indicate an adjustment, I know some have a "deer" or "hound" which I think does.I always thought all Howards were adjusted....Ted.
February 08, 2014, 19:17
Todd DonovanThanks for all the comments.
The hallmarks are interesting since there's no maker's mark (that I can recognize) - but there's that lion mark that I thought belonged on sterling silver. The case is a bomber - the watch weighs 180 grams...
February 08, 2014, 19:39
Tony DukesTodd,
That beautiful watch for a collector would be a keeper.
Tony
February 08, 2014, 20:06
Bila WirriganwaltersFantastic looking watch Todd, the early Howards had normally 3 types of grade in relation to non-adjusted and adjusted for the series VII onwards.
As Ken said the ones that were not adjusted except for isochronism are unmarked or marked with a "hound" above the "N", the "Horse" signifies adjusted to Isochronism, Heat & Cold and the "Deer" to Isochronism, Temperature and Positions.
This does not apply to the earlier models like yours as some of these were totally devoid of adjustment markings or they were marked with "adjusted" scribed along the back-edge of the balance cock.
Up to Series VI models they were all 15 jewel, then series VII in 15-17 Jewel, series VIII in 17 Jewel, series IX in 15-17 Jewel, series X in 15 Jewel and series XI & XII in 17 Jewel only, please be aware that this is only what I have read over the years and others might have more up to date info.
Cheers to All,
Bila
February 08, 2014, 23:41
Ken HabeebQuick tale:
Thinking I wouldn't see an early Howard this showy for a spell, I just now returned from a local antique show where a dealer there had a 14K gold,
boxed case, series VII that nearly blinded me in the overhead light, the movement was so clean and bright (Todd's might be like that when held at the right angle). It was ridiculous.
I tried to come up with a trade idea, but he deflated my hopes fast when he said he collected
Rockford and was after scarcer
Rockford movements. I've got just one Rockford watch, and it isn't anything to get excited about; little contribution to the cause.
Anyway, Todd, there were 20,000 series IVs made and some 27,000 series VIIs, but only a small percentage of those that have survived (esp. in their original case) look as good as what you have and what I saw in person today.
kh
February 09, 2014, 07:24
Joseph Pierzynskithats a SMOKER!!!!! a real beauty!!! enjoy that one