Sidewalk Clock at 783 5th Avenue, Manhattan
Why it's listed
A cast-iron sidewalk clock stands in front of the Sherry Netherland Hotel on Fifth Avenue, at the east side of Central Park, about 24 inches from the curb. Roughly 15 feet tall, it has a rectangular pedestal, a fluted column with a crocket capital, and a round dial casing with twin faces. The dials carry Arabic numerals, replacement hands and the inscription "THE SHERRY NETHERLANDS." The E. Howard Clock Company manufactured it, and it has stood on this spot since 1927. It is still used for timekeeping and advertising. Its original clockworks were electrified at an unknown date and the hands were replaced, but its condition is good. The clock was listed as a rare and intact New York City example of an urban sidewalk clock from the 1880-1930 period, and as the most representative local example of a popular E. Howard model. It is one of three such clocks along Fifth Avenue.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is a rare and intact example in New York City of an urban American sidewalk clock from the 1880-1930 period. It is the city's most representative example of a popular E. Howard Clock Company model. It retains good physical integrity and is one of three clocks along Fifth Avenue.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 85000930, listed April 18, 1985. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 783 5th Ave., New York |
|---|---|
| County | Manhattan |
| Listed | April 18, 1985 |
| Reference number | 85000930 |
| Resource type | Object |
| Architect / builder | E. Howard Clock Company, manufacturer |
| Areas of significance | Commerce, Art |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Condition is rated good; the clock is still used for timekeeping and advertising, and no threats are known. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 40.76442, -73.97285 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 85000930.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.