18s Elgin street rail grade

I just recently got an 18s full plate 7th model 17J Elgin that I haven't seen before.This one is open face, #16551305, lever set.The Elgin site says it's a 353 grade and 11000 were made.It is marked adjusted 3 positions, and is a double roller with a steel escape wheel.Real nice damaskeen pattern.I've never seen one marked this way.It came with an ugly silver dial, but I got a nice looking 24 Hr. Canadian DS-look dial marked "Simpson & Cranna, Merrit, B.C.,Elgin" from member Barry Hanstein which looks great on it.Anyone else ever seen one marked 3 pos. before?It must be a little on the uncommon side.Thanks, Ted.

Interesting watch Ted, I have seen a few of the 18s 3/4 plate movements marked 3 position trolley grades but a scarce few in the full plate.

Lot of people discount the adj3p watches as trolley grades, while they were not marketed as RR approved many large rail lines accepted adj3p well into the late 20's and early 30's. Santa Fe, Burlington and quite a few others into this group. The 353 is a good grade would have easily been able to pass Santa Fe and Burlington's requirements for a service watch. The later runs are marked a3p and you will also find the a3p markings on the 16s 342 grade that later changed to a4p for the 342. Typically the 353 will be unmarked, Overland or GMW with unmarked maybe being the least common version. I have an unmarked A N Anderson marked dial, the PL dials tend to be a bit rare so I would definitely keep the dial on it rather than swapping out.

The grade that Bila is referring to in regards to the 3/4 plate marked a3p is the grade 412 Elgin.

Thanks to Bila and Claude.I've seen the 3/4 plate versions ,but never a full plate like mine.It's just marked Elgin Nat'l Watch Co. In black old English and out oh adjusted 3 positions.This one lacks the safety pinion marking that most full plate Elgin have.It's really nice looking and running movement, I'm happy to have it.Thanks again, Ted.