Here's a tough looking watch I just bought. Is it worth $26?
And is the dial salvageable? It comes from London, Ontario, Canadian RR grade?

Grade: 44

G.M. Wheeler

Movement Serial Number:3831759
Estimated Production Year: 1890
Run Quantity: 2000
Size: 18s
Jewels: 15j
Movement Configuration: Openface
Movement Finish: Nickel
Model: 5
Movement Setting: Pendant
Plate: Full Plate
Barrel: Going
Adjusted: No
Adjusted to Positions: Unknown
Railroad Grade: No
Notes: G.M. Wheeler

15J Grade 44

Well worth $26. The chips in the dial are there forever. But the lines should clean up nicely. Put it in a case that covers most of the chips.
If you have an artistic hand draw the lines in the chips with a very fine line black pen/marker just for appearance sake. If not leave it alone as it wont be that bad.
You will need a hand as the hands are mix matched. But even for parts sake $26 is a great price. Especially if the balance is good.

Thanks for the comments Jim,
I thought it was worth the price. The listing says: (Runs and stops) We'll see.
I had decided to clean up the dial as you suggested and find a case to cover up a lot of the outer edges. not sure yet what would be the best choice for a case, but it's an OF pendant set, (which I prefer). And if all the hairlines don't soak out, then we'll call it character!
What should the hands look like? Which one(s) is/are wrong?
By any chance is this Canadian RR grade? Haven't found the source for that info yet, but I'm sure it's here on the site somewhere.

Finally got this watch today! Long trip from Canada!
Watch listed as running and stops, but it was wound tight. Took it apart and found a huge chunk of debris around the escape wheel. I think it will feel a lot better now.

By the way, it has a broken screw in the setting mech. top of photo Anyone have a spare?

An why is there an N in front of the serial number on the dial plate?

Elgin update - broken ratchet wheel needed
Dial cleaned up pretty good. A bezel covers up most of the perimeter.

Dave, you mentioned that this was a pendant set...so what is that lever for? Brad

Brad,

I'm not sure if I can answer that question, but I'm sure there are those here that can. It's not a set lever, it has no tab. Looks to me like when it's depressed it puts the watch in setting position, and then returns to winding position when the spring pushes it back.

That is an exclusive Elgin design idea for a lockout that holds the wind and set stem in "wind only" when the watch movement is out of the case. It is much easier for the watch repair person to "let down" the movment.

The button at the edge is pressed in when the movment is re-cased, engaging the pressure spring to re-connect the "setting cam plate" causing the wind-set function to operated normally.

Thanks Dave, I wish I'd known that before I took it apart. I couldn't figure out how to let down the spring. I tried to hold the barrel with my thumb, and was about half successful. Maybe that's why I need a ratchet wheel? See above.
I'd like to think it was already missing that tooth, but can't prove it.

It was probably already missing the tooth. I have seen quite a few missing teeth. I have a ratchet wheel you can have. Email me your address and I will send it, my email is in my profile.

Jim, You're the man! Thanks so much.
I was going to rob one from another good movement.

Just sent you a message.

Mine is from a 7j bone yard movement that is just about gone. Glad to see it go to good use.

Thanks again, that makes me feel better about using yours.

Dave if your dial does not suit you I have, I think the same dial in better shape. Regards,

Thanks for the help Deacon,
I'll see how it looks when I get it cased and go from there. I'll keep you in mind. How about a case?