2 Iver Johnsons

[Iowa Gal]

Have 2 of these pistols and can't figure out how old they are or if they would even be safe to shoot.
#1 is nickle/chrome, left side push up release, center break, hammerless. 5 shot, unsure of caliper, 3 inch barrel. The cylinder is 1 inch and turns only to right. Pat'd Apr 8, 86..Feb 15, 87..May 10, 87..Dec 26, 93.. Pat's pending.
Serial # B 27507.
#2 is nickle/chrome, double post release, center break and hammerless. The cylinder is 1 1/4 inches and will turn either way, unsure of the caliper and has a 3 1/4 inch barrel.
Pat'd Apr 8. 86..Feb 15, 87..May 10, 87..Dec 26, 93.. Pat's Pending.
Serial #C 29945.
Thanks

[b.goforth]

Number 1, serial number B 27507, small frame 32 S&W First Model safety automatic hammerless revolver manufactured in 1896

FIRST MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMERLESS REVOLVER
(Black Powder Cartridges)--------------------1895-1896
LARGE FRAME AND SMALL FRAME VERSIONS USES HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION: Single Top Post Barrel latch, finish, grip panels same as hammer model. Two frame sizes three calibers. Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire with 7 rounds cylinder capacity, .32 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity, large frame .38 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Standard barrel length same as hammer model; Weight: small frame with 3 inch barrel .22 rimfire 12 ½ ounces, .32 centerfire 13 ½ ounces, large frame with 3 ¼ inch barrel 17 ¾ ounces: Height: small frame 3 ¾ inches, large frame 3 7/8 inches: Frame length: small frame 4 3/16 inches, large frame 5 inches; Overall length: small frame 3 inch barrel 6 3/8 inches, large frame with 3 ¼ inch barrel 7 3/8 inches. Main serial number location on left side of grip frame grips must be removed to see. The First Model features a single top post barrel latch (release lever mounted on left side of top strap) and flat leaf hammer spring.
VALUE: 100%=$300 60%=$155


Number 2, serial number C 29945 large frame 38S&W second model safety automatic hammer revolver manufactured in 1896. if this were a hammerless model as in your description the letter code would be a "D" not a c the year of manufacture would not change but the value would be increased about $10.00

SECOND MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMER REVOLVER
(Black Powder Cartridges)------------1896-1908
LARGE FRAME AND SMALL FRAME VERSIONS USES HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION: Double top post barrel latch, nickel finish standard, blue optional, hard rubber grip panels with Owls head at top. Hammer the Hammer action, two frame sizes, and three calibers. Standard barrel length: small frame 3 inches, large frame 3 ¼ inches; Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire 7 rounds cylinder capacity, .32 centerfire 5 rounds cylinder capacity, large frame .38 centerfire 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Weight: small frame with 3 inch barrel .22 rimfire 12 ounces, .32 centerfire 12 ¼ ounces, large frame with 3 ¼ inch barrel 17¼ ounces; Frame height: small frame 3 ¼ inches, large frame 3 7/8 inches; Frame length: small frame 4 3/26 inches, large frame 5 inches; Overall length: small frame with 3 inch barrel 6 3/8 inches, large frame with 3 ¼ inch barrel 7 3/8 inches. Only difference between the first and second model is the barrel latch. Main serial number location on left side of grip frame grips must be removed to see. The Second Model features a double top post barrel latch, flat leaf hammer spring and two cross pins in the lower frame.
VALUE: 100%=$275 60%=$135
For revolvers equipped with Bourne Knuckleduster add 100%


both of these revolvers were manufactured for black powder cartridge pressures only.
bill

[Iowa Gal]

Thanks for the info. From what reading I have done I was pretty sure that they would use a black powder cartridge. Thanks again.