Champion Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Shotgun - The Firearms Forum

drewb916 · 06-01-2012, 02:36 PM

Hello,
I have a champion iver johnson 12 gauge single shot shotgun with a serial number with 25584 stamped on the lug and on the barrel side of the metal plate on the forestock, and TGIF stamped behind the trigger guard. It has a crosshatch pattern on the barrel release. It has a 26" barrel. Im really wanting to know the history behind it if avaible the value of it. I'm 19 and I got this from my great grand-father.

drewb916 · 06-01-2012, 02:58 PM

If you need any more information to be able to provide more background and information let me know.

hrf · 06-01-2012, 03:03 PM

Welcome to the forum, but there are no individual serial number records of Iver Johnson shotguns.

Those with all numeric serial numbers were made ca. 1909-1919 and those with all letters 1940-1956, but whether the TGIF is a factory marking indicating mixed parts, or something else (Thank God it's Friday?) I don't know!

A 26" barrel if not cut would indicate the Junior model, that should also have a shorter stock.

Value is moderate, probably in $100-$150 range depending on condition. EDIT: After viewing the pics you just added, I'd rate it at the lower end of that range.

drewb916 · 06-01-2012, 03:10 PM

Thanks hrf but the stock looks to be of regular size. If its not too much trouble, how do you measure the barrel? Do you measure full length of the barrel or end of where the shell would be to tip of the barrel?

hrf · 06-01-2012, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewb916

Thanks hrf but the stock looks to be of regular size. If its not too much trouble, how do you measure the barrel? Do you measure full length of the barrel or end of where the shell would be to tip of the barrel?

Full length, breech to tip.

drewb916 · 06-01-2012, 04:04 PM

It measures 27 7/16 exactly. So does that mean it is a 28" barrel?

hrf · 06-01-2012, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewb916

It measures 27 7/16 exactly. So does that mean it is a 28" barrel?

I suspect it's been shortened; does it have the bead front sight or look like it's been cut?

Is the muzzle opening larger than a dime?

drewb916 · 06-01-2012, 04:56 PM

Yes it has a bead at the end and a dime fits inside of the end of the barrel with a little room.

drewb916 · 06-01-2012, 04:57 PM

As far as I know it hasn't been cut and doesnt look like its been cut.

06-01-2012, 02:36 PM	#1
drewb916 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 6	Champion Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Shotgun Hello, I have a champion iver johnson 12 gauge single shot shotgun with a serial number with 25584 stamped on the lug and on the barrel side of the metal plate on the forestock, and TGIF stamped behind the trigger guard. It has a crosshatch pattern on the barrel release. It has a 26" barrel. Im really wanting to know the history behind it if avaible the value of it. I'm 19 and I got this from my great grand-father. -->

06-01-2012, 02:58 PM	#2
drewb916 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 6	Re: Champion Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Shotgun If you need any more information to be able to provide more background and information let me know. Attached Images

06-01-2012, 03:03 PM	#3
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,308	Re: Champion Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Shotgun Welcome to the forum, but there are no individual serial number records of Iver Johnson shotguns. Those with all numeric serial numbers were made ca. 1909-1919 and those with all letters 1940-1956, but whether the TGIF is a factory marking indicating mixed parts, or something else (Thank God it's Friday?) I don't know! A 26" barrel if not cut would indicate the Junior model, that should also have a shorter stock. Value is moderate, probably in $100-$150 range depending on condition. EDIT: After viewing the pics you just added, I'd rate it at the lower end of that range. Last edited by hrf; 06-01-2012 at 03:06 PM..

06-01-2012, 03:10 PM	#4
drewb916 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 6	Re: Champion Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Shotgun Thanks hrf but the stock looks to be of regular size. If its not too much trouble, how do you measure the barrel? Do you measure full length of the barrel or end of where the shell would be to tip of the barrel?

06-01-2012, 04:04 PM	#6
drewb916 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 6	Re: Champion Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Shotgun It measures 27 7/16 exactly. So does that mean it is a 28" barrel?

06-01-2012, 04:56 PM	#8
drewb916 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 6	Re: Champion Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Shotgun Yes it has a bead at the end and a dime fits inside of the end of the barrel with a little room.

06-01-2012, 04:57 PM	#9
drewb916 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 6	Re: Champion Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Shotgun As far as I know it hasn't been cut and doesnt look like its been cut.