Vintage Simpson W3 ?

I just got this vintage Simpson in the mail and I was wondering if anybody knows anything about the model. On one side it has "W3," "Best Badger," "Simpson," and at the very bottom either an "S" or an "8." I think it's the former, but it would be a different style "s" than the one in "Simpson," which makes me hesitate. The closest thing I found was a W3L in this thread. But the W3L appears to have a slightly longer bottom tapered section and it also appears a little thinner than the W3. Both remind me of the current Commodore series.

Approximate measurements:
Handle height: ~48mm
Knot diameter (where bristles enter the handle): ~19mm
Diameter of base of handle: ~35mm

Anyways, here's some pictures ...

W3, profile shot:


W3, close up:


For comparison, L-R: Case, Berkeley, W3, Colonel


For comparison, L-R: Wee Scot, Berkeley, BB3, W3, AS2M, AS3

It sure looks like an early version of the Commodore to me, with some real heft to it.

You're also having tremendous luck nabbing these butterscotch vintage Simpsons, Brian. May that luck continue!