E Howard N Size 15J Nickel KW Series III Pocket Watch

Auction Link [This is my auction.]

Any info on this would be much appreciated. Serial # 18097. Case is not original to the watch but it at least keeps the movement safe. Dial looks great just a little dirty but no chips or cracks.
Pic of movement

Thats about 3,000 past my series III, and it looks like they got a series IV type regulator, maybe left over from the Reeds Chrono's. Could it be a "Serives III Mk.2?

This is a very interesting watch. Several features of this movement indicate either that it fell behind in the production process or was held back and was finished several years after the date that the movement's serial number would otherwise suggest. The Reed's whip regulator did not come into production until near S# 23,301, and the earliest known nickel plated Howard movement is S# 21,561. (Note: the "earliest" example of some feature does not always have the lowest serial number, especially with early Howards.) Reed's barrel patent is not engraved on the main wheel, also indicating a later production date, as does the omitted trefoil escutchion atop the center wheel. Similarly, the wavy style of damascening on this movement was introduced in the runs of the L and N Size Models 1869 and 1871 (AKA "Series V" and "Series IV," respectively). Neither do the factory records indicate that this movement originally was intended to have nickel damascened finish. S# 18,097 increases the total estimated production of nickel plated damascened Model 1862 ("Series III") movements from 140 to 141. It is also most likely the lowest numbered example of it's kind, even if not the earliest to be finished and sold.

Thank you Dr Geller for the great information! I wonder if I should end the auction and add this to the description?

John,

There's a good chance that at least two of your bidders will realize what I just wrote, especially now, and that's probably all it will take. But if you're worried, try e-mailing your bidders with the supplemental info.