Iver Johnson Safety Hammer Automatic - The Firearms Forum

smithynorth · 08-07-2012, 08:17 PM

Hello everyone, from a new member from Calgary, Canada!

I am looking for some assistance in obtaining a manufacture date for my IJ Safety hammer automatic. I believe it is a second model.

5 shot revolver, 38 S&W
Top of barrel indicates "Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works Fitchburg Mass USA"
double post latch
bakelite handle with owls head facing towards cylinder
leaf spring, not coil
5 inch barrel
Serial number, found underneath grip, is Q 78863

Am I also correct that this is a large frame model? Thanks so much!

hrf · 08-08-2012, 05:54 AM

Welcome to the forum.

Your large frame hammer model was made in 1906 for black powder ammunition.

smithynorth · 08-08-2012, 11:04 PM

Thank you so much for your quick response to my inquiry. It is very much appreciated!

Sevysev · 08-09-2012, 01:10 PM

Here are some pictures of the piece.

Sevysev · 08-09-2012, 01:13 PM

Hello I am a new member as well to this fine site, the pictures above are of my IJ. can anyone help me with caliber, date or worth of this piece. can modern ammo be used, etc. Thanks you in advance for any and all information.

45Auto · 08-09-2012, 01:58 PM

I don't have my book handy, but from the images I can tell you that you have a 3rd Model Safety Hammer Automatic Revolver. As such, it was made for modern smokless powder ammo. It's either chambered for .38 S&W or .32 S&W cartridges.

hrf · 08-09-2012, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevysev

Hello I am a new member as well to this fine site, the pictures above are of my IJ. can anyone help me with caliber, date or worth of this piece. can modern ammo be used, etc. Thanks you in advance for any and all information.

Welcome to the forum. J4742 is a small frame third model made in 1927 for smokeless .32 S&W ammo. It's in very nice shape and would probably sell in the $150 range.

Sevysev · 08-10-2012, 04:45 AM

thankyou for the information and quick responses. followup question, whould you recommend firing the weapon or just as a keep sake. I am curious to see if it fires. thanks again.

hrf · 08-10-2012, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevysev

thankyou for the information and quick responses. followup question, whould you recommend firing the weapon or just as a keep sake. I am curious to see if it fires. thanks again.

If OK mechanically, it's safe with current .32 S&W (short) ammo. Do not fire .32 ACP/.32 Auto in it, which will also fit but generates too much pressure.

08-07-2012, 08:17 PM	#1
smithynorth Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Calgary, Alberta, canada Posts: 2	Iver Johnson Safety Hammer Automatic Hello everyone, from a new member from Calgary, Canada! I am looking for some assistance in obtaining a manufacture date for my IJ Safety hammer automatic. I believe it is a second model. 5 shot revolver, 38 S&W Top of barrel indicates "Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works Fitchburg Mass USA" double post latch bakelite handle with owls head facing towards cylinder leaf spring, not coil 5 inch barrel Serial number, found underneath grip, is Q 78863 Am I also correct that this is a large frame model? Thanks so much! -->

08-08-2012, 05:54 AM	#2
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,309	Re: Iver Johnson Safety Hammer Automatic Welcome to the forum. Your large frame hammer model was made in 1906 for black powder ammunition.

08-08-2012, 11:04 PM	#3
smithynorth Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Calgary, Alberta, canada Posts: 2	Re: Iver Johnson Safety Hammer Automatic Thank you so much for your quick response to my inquiry. It is very much appreciated!

08-09-2012, 01:10 PM	#4
Sevysev Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 3	Re: Iver Johnson Safety Hammer Automatic Here are some pictures of the piece. Attached Images

08-09-2012, 01:13 PM	#5
Sevysev Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 3	Re: Iver Johnson Safety Hammer Automatic Hello I am a new member as well to this fine site, the pictures above are of my IJ. can anyone help me with caliber, date or worth of this piece. can modern ammo be used, etc. Thanks you in advance for any and all information.

08-09-2012, 01:58 PM	#6
45Auto Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,124	Re: Iver Johnson Safety Hammer Automatic I don't have my book handy, but from the images I can tell you that you have a 3rd Model Safety Hammer Automatic Revolver. As such, it was made for modern smokless powder ammo. It's either chambered for .38 S&W or .32 S&W cartridges.

08-10-2012, 04:45 AM	#8
Sevysev Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 3	Re: Iver Johnson Safety Hammer Automatic thankyou for the information and quick responses. followup question, whould you recommend firing the weapon or just as a keep sake. I am curious to see if it fires. thanks again.