I have a 12 size Elgin private label Gr. 191, S/N 8136651 watch with an "A Stowell & Co." dial that has the plates machined as if it is a 19 Jewel movement yet Elgin marked and finished it with 15 Jewels by "re-jeweling" the Barrel and Center Wheel with "Jewel-mounted" brass friction "jewels". Anybody have any idea how many times this was done?

David, I don't think it was down-jeweled. Elgin used their safety barrel in lower jeweled watches of 16S, 12S, and 0S. I've seen a number of examples of each size in 15 and 7 jewel, and they don't differ from yours. In the lower jewel Elgins, the bushing in the safety barrel is always brass as yours is.

I think your 15J Elgin was meant to be just as it is.

Tom

Thank you Tom, The Brass bushing in the main wheel is sure "Purdy" too!

A.Stowell was an elite dealer in Boston. I've never seen any watch signed by them that wasn't at least a cut above.
-Cort