I do like three finger Elgins, but this one doesn't seems like others ... something,I'd say, ""missing"". Do you share my opinion ? Sorry for the picture, it's off ebay and is all I have for now.
Thanks for your kind help, as ever

oh, sorry, I forget, s/n is 12146942, a cal. 340, 17j

Mario,
It is different in its layout. I notice it's all there, but compared to my 3 finger bridges (17j Wheeler, grade 337, made one year earlier in 1904) and a 3 finger convertible (grade 86 from 1880) the eBay watch has the balance assembly on the opposite side (right). In my two examples the balance is on the left and the 3 finger bridges on the right as you look at the movement. The eBay watch has this reversed, while the mainspring and rachet are in the same position as my watches--so it doesn't appear that the photo has been reversed, they appear in the correct orientation. So it's possible the Grade 340 is made this way, but I don't have one here to check. You're correct in saying it doesn't look right, but it may be right.

Hi John.
This is a 3 finger I have, and looks, somehow, richer, more finished than the 340: it's a 241 of 1901

Mario & J. Elgin, there is really nothing wrong with the ebay example, actually it is a rather nice looking movement....they are different though....

I have two of them that have the same layout as the 340....

I have a photo of one which is shown below....

It is a G.M. Wheeler, sn-16404782, grade 338, 17j and in a swing case....

Regards,
Jerry

Jerry and Mario.
Interesting...my G.M. Wheeler 17j Grade 337 and Jerry's G.M. Wheeler 17j Grade 338 have opposite layouts for the 3 finger bridge movement. Very good observation, Jerry. I learn something new every time I look at IHC185. Thanks for posting the photo.

Mario, These 17 Jewel 3-finger Bridge models were actually good for RR use when finished with the steel escape wheel and fully adjusted. My favorite is the 280 which is a "permanent" resident of the Elgin part of my "family". You won a fine 17 Jewel 3-finger bridge watch. The only thing I see that is "missing" is that it has not arrived to you yet.

Hi, David, PLEASURE reading you, and my warmest whishes for Easter ! Yes, Sir, loud'n clear ... except that auction is still a few hours away.

I do like those three fingers ...

BTW the 241 I posted above is a half-private label, signed by a W.H.Rowcliff : a nice double sunk, if I can add my opinion. The case is a hunter CWC Co Moon and in good shape too

Mario, The sellers claimed repair costs; " It has a new minute hand, crystal, and winding pin. I just had it serviced, which cost me $211 and I have the reciepts." already take this beyond the collectible value of the watch.

It is very nice, but more will show up that are more reasonable to buy.

Your Hunter case 3-finger has some nice hand-painted work on the dial.

Dave, no problem. I just put the sniper with a reasonable price, and do not follow bidding, or I'll finish by being caught by the hunting frenzy. As a rule I bid only on brands I somewhat know, and after a careful reading of Shugart's, and, if still doubtful, well, I have spent a regal 12 bucks some times ago and I have some friends very knowledgeable and VERY kind who help me ...

David HAPPY EASTER first of all!

Back to business (I always need your advice, my friend ...) I came out as the higher bidder, but under the reserve price. Then this morning, local time, I've found a second chance offer at my price, 15 dollars up from Shugart's "ABP" price, that is way below 150. Does this sound reasonable to your hears ?

Lindell, my best whishes for an Happy Easter !

You are 110 per cent right, the dial has been painstakingly hand painted. The final proof is that I have located a very small yellow painted circle (so almost invisible ) near the outer hedge, I have just touched it with a sharp blade and it came off : the paint is quite fragile ! I eonder who could have been mr. Rowcliff ... may be sooner or later something will come out.
Have a nice day, Lindell

Mario, In studying your question I checked my 100 pieces llinois listed "collectible" 17J models. The average cost was about US$88.00. The range was from US$29.00 - US$285.00.

This grade and condition is worth your bid if I were to intend keeping it in my collection here. The same would hold true for you there, I am sure even with the extra shipping charge.

Mario

Without more information on W.H. Rowcliff, it is hard to figure out who he might be. There were several listed in the 1800's from farmers to travel agents. If we could narrow down where he lived it would help.

Tom

Hi gentlemen.
Davide, actually I'm still bargaining with myself ... I have taken no definite attitude. I think I will catch it, but yet I'm not hundred per cent sure. In any case, price now is sensible but, to be frank, I'm afraid the repairing has been too extensive if the chap says the truth or, on the contrary, I would not appreciate his attitude. If pictures were clearer ...

Tom, may be a very faint trace is there: the garland has quite a better quality than the lettering. I deem this comes out from the fact that who painted it was a "specialist" in flower garlands, and so sooner or later a dial looking alike could come out and add exactly the info you pinpointed, i.e. where. May be some fellow here has a dial looking alike, and something will come out. Napoleon ordered his men to be lucky ...