I.J. Double Action Model 1900

csb1978 · 10-09-2012, 12:18 PM

Hi all, I've been researching what I can on an Iver Johnson Model 1900 that I inherited and need a little help putting a date to it.

From what I have been able to find, it's chambered in .38S&W, but I don't know if it's black powder or smokeless. Based on the serial number I think I've narrowed it down to an early 1900's manufacture date and a black powder pistol, but I'm not sure.

The serial number under the left grip is 2749, and matches the serial number on the bottom of the trigger guard.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

hrf · 10-09-2012, 12:37 PM

Welcome to TFF.

A Model 1900 with four digit serial and no letter code was made in 1900, first year of production.

According to the book "No changes were made in 41 years of production" so I assume even the earliest were considered OK with smokeless powder, the solid frame construction being stronger than the top break type.

csb1978 · 10-09-2012, 12:49 PM

Thank you for the welcome. And many thanks for the amazingly quick reply.

I suppose now I just need to find the guts to pull the trigger on a 112 year old revolver.

Again, thank you very much for the quick response.

StarwoodAZ · 11-10-2012, 04:07 PM

I am trying to find out if my Grandfathers revolver is worth anything of value for insurance purposes. It is a I J double-action model 1900 .32 caliber. It looks in fairly great condition. It has the original grips with the owl head. It is a 5 shot revolver with a front site. The serial number is 35255. On the top it says I.J Double Action Model 1900 Fitchburg, Mass. USA Also can you give me an idea as to when it was made?

RJay · 11-10-2012, 04:21 PM

Is that the number from under the left grip, the number on the trigger guard is a secondary number, the true number is , as stated, under the left grip. As for value, with out pictures it would be difficult to place any value on your gun, however in the worn condition that most of the guns are found, the sell for 75 too 150.
Should be covered under your homeowners policy and not cost efficient to get a separate rider. Check with your agent.

hrf · 11-10-2012, 04:39 PM

Welcome to TFF.

If the serial number under left grip has no letter prefix, made in 1903.

If it has an E prefix, made in 1911.

StarwoodAZ · 11-11-2012, 02:10 PM

The number under the left grip is the same number under the trigger guard, 35255.

StarwoodAZ · 11-11-2012, 02:15 PM

A thought just comes to mind that it may have been a police revolover for the Maple Hts, Ohio Police Department. However, that may just be pure speculation on my part. I never saw this pistol until a year ago. My grandfather died in 1969 and was a temporary mayor of Maple Hts, Ohio. I doubt he fired it a few times if ever, but it definately has been fired.

10-09-2012, 12:18 PM	#1
csb1978 Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: IL Posts: 2	I.J. Double Action Model 1900 Hi all, I've been researching what I can on an Iver Johnson Model 1900 that I inherited and need a little help putting a date to it. From what I have been able to find, it's chambered in .38S&W, but I don't know if it's black powder or smokeless. Based on the serial number I think I've narrowed it down to an early 1900's manufacture date and a black powder pistol, but I'm not sure. The serial number under the left grip is 2749, and matches the serial number on the bottom of the trigger guard. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Chris Attached Images -->

10-09-2012, 12:37 PM	#2
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,276	Re: I.J. Double Action Model 1900 Welcome to TFF. A Model 1900 with four digit serial and no letter code was made in 1900, first year of production. According to the book "No changes were made in 41 years of production" so I assume even the earliest were considered OK with smokeless powder, the solid frame construction being stronger than the top break type.

10-09-2012, 12:49 PM	#3
csb1978 Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: IL Posts: 2	Re: I.J. Double Action Model 1900 Thank you for the welcome. And many thanks for the amazingly quick reply. I suppose now I just need to find the guts to pull the trigger on a 112 year old revolver. Again, thank you very much for the quick response. Last edited by csb1978; 10-09-2012 at 12:49 PM.. Reason: typo

11-10-2012, 04:07 PM	#4
StarwoodAZ Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 3	Re: I.J. Double Action Model 1900 I am trying to find out if my Grandfathers revolver is worth anything of value for insurance purposes. It is a I J double-action model 1900 .32 caliber. It looks in fairly great condition. It has the original grips with the owl head. It is a 5 shot revolver with a front site. The serial number is 35255. On the top it says I.J Double Action Model 1900 Fitchburg, Mass. USA Also can you give me an idea as to when it was made? Last edited by StarwoodAZ; 11-10-2012 at 04:19 PM..

11-10-2012, 04:21 PM	#5
RJay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,485	Re: I.J. Double Action Model 1900 Is that the number from under the left grip, the number on the trigger guard is a secondary number, the true number is , as stated, under the left grip. As for value, with out pictures it would be difficult to place any value on your gun, however in the worn condition that most of the guns are found, the sell for 75 too 150. Should be covered under your homeowners policy and not cost efficient to get a separate rider. Check with your agent. __________________ RonJames

11-10-2012, 04:39 PM	#6
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,276	Re: I.J. Double Action Model 1900 Welcome to TFF. If the serial number under left grip has no letter prefix, made in 1903. If it has an E prefix, made in 1911.

11-11-2012, 02:10 PM	#7
StarwoodAZ Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 3	Re: I.J. Double Action Model 1900 The number under the left grip is the same number under the trigger guard, 35255. Attached Images

11-11-2012, 02:15 PM	#8
StarwoodAZ Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 3	Re: I.J. Double Action Model 1900 A thought just comes to mind that it may have been a police revolover for the Maple Hts, Ohio Police Department. However, that may just be pure speculation on my part. I never saw this pistol until a year ago. My grandfather died in 1969 and was a temporary mayor of Maple Hts, Ohio. I doubt he fired it a few times if ever, but it definately has been fired. Last edited by StarwoodAZ; 11-11-2012 at 02:17 PM..