I've managed to confuse myself about mainsprings and barrels for this Elgin grade 290 watch. I've seen reference to three screws at the top if it's a motor barrel, but where would they be?

So I think it's a going barrel.

Which way does the mainspring wind?

I had one of those days yesterday where I seemed to get all confused and couldn't seem to get it all straight in my head. So I'd rather look like a complete newbie and ask, rather than suffer and try to figure it all out myself.

The mainspring goes in the barrel counterclock wise on your watch...The better grade Elgins 21 and 23 and i think also a few 19 jewel were the ones with the motor barrel..the 3 screw held either a jewel setting or bushing for the barrel arbor..

Thanks, that's what I thought. I'm pretty sure the watch I'm working on had the mainspring in wrong, whcih did not help with my confusion.

Can someone provide a picture of the mainspring and arbor in the barrel?

I'm a visual learner!