Date my Iver Johnson breaktop revolver

[Bryan@IndianaLead]

I recently found an old Iver Johnson breaktop revolver & I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly what model it is & when it was made. I doubt it's worth anything, but I'd still like to date it & get an idea of whether it's safe to shoot or worth restoring (after having a gunsmith look it over of course).

Specs:
* 5 shot breaktop double-action revolver (not sure if it's .32 or .38)
* looks like about a 4" barrell (sorry, didn't have a ruler handy)
* chrome finish
* visible hammer
* double-post latch on breaktop
* hard black rubber grips with owl head logo (owl is upright in line with grip, not
canted toward barrel like some of the earliest versions)
* Barrel top edge stamp: IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS
----FITCHBURG MASS, USA----
* Butt bottom of frame stamp: PAT'D JUNE 16.96 AUG 25.96
SEPT 6.04 PATS PENDING
* Serial number on bottom of trigger guard: 6944
* Serial number beneath left side grip: C6944

Can anyone ID the date on this one? I couldn't find any online references that matched it. Also, I've heard these called "suicide specials" because of haphazard mfg & a tendency toward blowups - is that something to be concerned about?

[hrf]

Welcome to the forum Bryan.

Your details identify a third model large frame made in 1909, the first year improvements were made for smokeless powder ammo. Caliber is .38 S&W, which is not the same as .38 Special.

If mechanically OK, it's safe for use with current .38 S&W cartridges.

[Bryan@IndianaLead]

Great! That's good news. I had just about dispaired of ever identifying this little bit of attic flotsam. Thanks for the help.

[Bryan@IndianaLead]

hrf: Do your references indicate how large the 1909 production was - how many of these were turned out that year? just curious.

[hrf]

Originally Posted by Bryan@IndianaLead

hrf: Do your references indicate how large the 1909 production was - how many of these were turned out that year? just curious.

8900

[Bryan@IndianaLead]

Wow! That's a much smaller production than I expected. Thanks again for your help.

[RJay]

The term " Suicide Special " has been over played. Iver Johnson made very good inexpensive utility type revolvers. They were in use as a " Every Mans " firearm for close to a hundred years. They were used by Guards, police, and for personal protection by millions of people. In no stretch of the imagination can they be placed in the same category as the very cheap suicide specials. FWIW, the term came from the 1930s era, a suicide special was used for only one shot, hence it didn't have to be a expensive gun, not because it would blow up in your hand. JMHO. 8,900 of your model was made in 1909.

[hrf]

Originally Posted by Bryan@IndianaLead

Wow! That's a much smaller production than I expected. Thanks again for your help.

It was probably because of manufacturing and materials changes implemented that year, as 27000 were made in 1910,

[dragonfly57]

I have an Iver Johnson .22 Supershot 7 shot revolver ( model 70 ) with serial number K2172 and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me the year it was manufactured.

[hrf]

Originally Posted by dragonfly57

I have an Iver Johnson .22 Supershot 7 shot revolver ( model 70 ) with serial number K2172 and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me the year it was manufactured.

One of 3900 made in 1928, the year introduced.

[Slowhand]

Originally Posted by hrf

One of 3900 made in 1928, the year introduced.

Neatly done...

[dragonfly57]

Thanks for the info. I suspected it was made in 1928, but I wasn't absolutely sure.

[Rmasters3]

Serial number 60259 on trigger guard, but under left grip the serial number is prefaced with a "D". Best I have determined is this is an IJ Safety Hammerless in 38 S&W, & a 6" barrel. Looks better than the pictures, actually, and I see no reason it won't shoot as it's very clean and apparently in good shape. Bore is shiney and smooth.

[RJay]

It appears to be a second variation, 3rd Model, made in 1913.

[hrf]

Originally Posted by RJay

It appears to be a second variation, 3rd Model, made in 1913.

The Goforth book indicates 1914

[RJay]

You're probably right, my eyes are as old as I am. He did post his serial number was D60259, the way I read Bill's book, D54101 through D60800 was used in 1913, 1914 used D60801 through D61700, am I researching the wrong gun??

[hrf]

Originally Posted by RJay

You're probably right, my eyes are as old as I am. He did post his serial number was D60259, the way I read Bill's book, D54101 through D60800 was used in 1913, 1914 used D60801 through D61700, am I researching the wrong gun??

I see the source of confusion: You used the chart on page 49 and I used one on page 62 which lists D54001-D60000 for 1913, D60001-D61700 for 1914.

The 8's on page 49 chart may be typos, as I note he listed a very high total production of 6800 for 1913 and then way down to 900 for 1914.

[RJay]

Bill's book is a fantastic source of information of Iver Johnson, but is not the easiest book to research, lets split the difference 1913/1914, that way one of us will be in the ball park.