E. Howard Watch Co., A prototype watch, circa 1910-1912

the watch with dial signed Edward Howard,16 size, nickel lever movement, 23 jewels, some in gold settings, 18k case; and another also signed on the dial Edward Howard, 16 size, 23 jewels, gilt lever movement, 18k case; together with a group of E. Howard Watch Co. watches including: a 14k gold 18 size watch, Series VIII; a 14k gold 12 size watch, 23 jewels; a 12 size watch, Series X, 15 jewels; and an 18 size watch, Series VIII; (6 pieces;) accompanied by a copy of Hoke, The Time Museum Catalogue of American Pocket Watches. 

Time Museum Inventory Nos. 1442, 533, 278, 276, 953, 1647

Britten, F.J. Old Clocks, Watches and Their Makers.  London, Ninth Edition, 1982, p. 241, pl. 154a-b (For the watch with dial signed Edward Howard)

Donald Hoke states in The Time Museum Catalogue of American Pocket Watches, cat. no. 308 (Time Museum Inventory No. 1442), that, "This watch is probably the prototype for the Edward Howard watch or, perhaps, an experimental version of it. It has all the hallmarks of a prototype watch; no serial number, hand engraved and hand painted inscriptions, etc."

The Edward Howard model was introduced in 1912, probably in response to Waltham’s 'Premier Maximus' model, and less than 300 were produced in total.

For a discussion on the Edward Howard model, see Fuller, "The Priceless Possessions of a Few", in the NAWCC Bulletin Supplement, no. 10, pp. 48-50.