Going thru the old Howard records a while back, I came across this hand written notation; "Given to A. Howard to replace the one lost on the Narragansett". This happened Dec. 1880 for Ser. #57,412, a nickel high grade Lsz.
The Narragensett Bay is about 40 miles south of Roxbury/Boston area. Albert, Edward Howards nephew and who also worked for him, must have lost a Howard watch in the bay probably while fishing there and Uncle Edward replaced it for him. A little dredging in the right part of that bay could possibly turn up your free Howard which more than likely is still there on the bottom waiting to be rescued!
Harold

Hey Harold if i go find the watch will you get it going for me ..

Great Story! I'll have to get my "scuba" friend to go looking for it!
Cheers!
Joel

An interesting note, "lost on the Narragansett" I seem to recall a ship by that name.

Joel, I assume your scuba comment was made at least partially tongue-in-cheek. But if the lost watch in question had a solid gold case, you could probably count on finding at least that in decent condition.

I've seen several documentaries where pocket watches were recovered from salt water shipwrecks, with the gold case and chain looking good, but the dial, hands and movement fused together into a useless hockey puck of corrosion and marine growths.

So many of the old Howards had their gold cases scrapped in great gold bullion bubble of 1980, I should think you'd have a decent shot at finding the right movement to go into such a case if you could recover it.

Hi Ed, yes, my "scuba" comment was made tomgue-in-cheek, however, I learned a great deal from your comments. I only wish I know where to look. I do have a friend who does scuba along with his daughter. Such an adventure might be a challenge for them. I know nothing about scuba and the dangers or difficulties involved. Thank you for your insight.
Joel