Grade: 58
Movement Serial Number: 309619
Estimated Production Year: 1873
Run Quantity: 1000
Size: 18s
Jewels: 15j
Movement Configuration: Hunting
Movement Finish: Gilt
Movement Setting: Key

Was this the 1st year for HH Taylor stamped on Elgin 18s movements?

Jon-

I would say no according to this webpage. It looks to be fairly insightful.

link

"On July 16, 1867, a new watch was made and it was named the H. Z. Culver. The slow train was then adopted on all the new movements brought out and they appeared on the market as follows; J. T. Ryerson, October 14, 1867; H. H. Taylor, November 20, 1867; G.W. Wheeler, November 26, 1867 and Matthew Laflin, January 2, 1868. (Laflin and Ryerson both sat on the Elgin's board of directors and Laflin's family did so for more than 70 years.)"

1867 - ok...

Thanks - Jared...

Elgin's first watch was a B W Raymond made on April 1, 1867, serial # 101....

Just thought I would add that bit of info....

Regards,

Jerry

"The first movement was delivered from the factory April 1, 1867 and was named in honor of Benjamin W. Raymond. It was an 18 size, key wind, and full plate, with quick train and straight-line escapement arranged to set on the face and was adjusted to temperature. At that time watches took six months to complete and the B. W. Raymond model sold for $117 at a time when pork chops sold for three cents a pound (several years ago this watch was bought at auction by the city of Elgin for $15,000)."