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Iver Johnson top break 38 build date

8K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  BobMcG 
#1 ·
Hi. I recently inherited an Iver Johnson pistol and have been trying to identify the version and build date.

Pistol is 38 cal. Top break/with hammer. It has SN. G34-307 under the grip with flat trigger spring.

It is blued with a 5" barrel and the owls looking towards the trigger.

The top of the barrel has 4 patent dates, Apr, Feb, May, and Aug.
 

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#2 ·
You have an Iver Johnson 2nd Model 2nd Variation Safety Hammer Automatic Revolver made in 1898. They used the G prefix in the serial number for three years, 1898, 1899 and 1902. The stamping on the top strap is what confirms the year of manufacture. In 1899 they added a patent date of MAR.15.88 before the AUG25.96 date.


It is chambered in .38 S&W and is considered a black powder frame and is not safe with modern smokeless ammo.
 
#3 ·
Thanks Shrek. Was pretty sure it was black powder. Gun is in pretty good shape. All parts work and do not see much wear (other than some one scrubbed the barrel through the blueing.)

I see black powder ammo being made for the pistols if my gunsmith gives it his blessing, might put a couple of rounds through it.

This will be the oldest gun I have owned. Goes good with my 1890 pocket watch.
 
#4 ·
Next question is one I am sure a number ask. The pistol is in good to very good condition, with the exception of the bluing. I know these are not valuable firearms and wonder is it better to just oil it and keep it as it is or re blue it? I know folks shudder hearing that, but this would be a piece for a wall display (even if we do fire it) and making it look like it did when new appeals to me.

If we re blue it, can anyone tell me what would have been used in 1898 for bluing? Hot bluing, fume bluing, rust bluing? I have not picked up Mr. Goforth's book yet and don't know if he included what IJ used for bluing.
 
#5 ·
The standard finish for these type of revolvers was nickel, so your blued model is more desirable. I would leave it alone, it is over 119 years old and should show some wear. If you re-blue it, the wear on the grips will not match.

Bill Goforth's book gives a detailed history of Iver Johnson firearms, but does not go into details about the bluing process the would have used.
 
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