Elgin
Elgin Grade 55
Grade 55 Movement Characteristics
| Size | 18s |
|---|---|
| Jewels | 7 Jewels |
| Configuration | Hunting |
| Finish | Gilt |
| Model | 1 |
| Setting | Key |
| Adjusted | No |
| Railroad Grade | No |
| Profile Code | 18s-M1-7j-HGK |
Grade 55 Production Info
| Total Production | 73,095 |
|---|---|
| Number of Runs | 99 |
| Production Years | 1867-1876 |
| First Serial | 5,001 |
| Last Serial | 444,400 |
| Largest Run | 5,000 |
| Smallest Run | 1 |
Research Notes
Runs of Grade 55 feature the following names:
J.T. Ryerson [42,084]- 7 Jewels, Solid Nickel Balance
W.H. Ferry [11,777] - 11 Jewels, Solid Nickel Balance
Mat. Laflin [15,584] - 7 Jewels, Expansion Balance
G.M. Wheeler [2,000] - 11 Jewels, Expansion Balance
Ambiguous (Named or Nameless) [1,650] - 7-11 Jewels
The 93rd run of Grade 55 (442,001-444,000) should be named Ryerson, Ferry, or Laflin. However, several "G.M. Wheeler" examples have been reported near the end of the run. According to company serial lists, the next 13 runs alternate between Grade 55 and "Wheeler" as the runs designated "Grade 55" and "Wheeler" are phased out. While future grades are named "Wheeler," the last run designated as "Wheeler" instead of a grade number in the 1896 Material Catalog is 444,401-445,000. The equivalent "Grade 57" continues beyond this point but is not indicated as "Wheeler" in serial lists.