Iver Johnson .32 cal. - The Firearms Forum

davids585 · 08-11-2009, 11:08 PM

I have a Iver Johnson 32 cal. top break revolver. It appears to be a double post top break 5 shot. The patent information is located on the butt and the seral number is located on the bottom of the trigger guard. It is 49533. The second Serial Number has a prefix "H" 49533 and is located on the left side of the grip. I have found lots of information on the serial numbers and their meaning, but no information on the prefix "H". Is this gun made after 1898? This revolver is hammerless and the plate appears to be part of the frame. Also the cylinder free spins when closed. Is this gun considered a antique? I have attempted to upload 2 pictures to help. Any help would be appreciated.

b.goforth · 08-12-2009, 01:37 PM

the letter code H was used only one time of the small frame 32 S&W caliber second model safety automatic hammerless revolver. that was in 1903.

SECOND MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMERLESS REVOLVER
(Black Powder Cartridges)------------- -–1896-1908
LARGE FRAME AND SMALL FRAME VERSIONS USES HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION: Double top post barrel latch, Hammer the Hammer action, nickel finish with blue optional, two frame sizes and three calibers. Hard rubber grip panels with Owls head at top. Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire with 7 rounds cylinder capacity, .32 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Standard barrel length: small frame 3 inches, large frame 3 ¼ inches; 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 all length: small frame with 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 Second Model features a double top post barrel latch, flat leaf hammer spring and two cross pins in the lower frame.
VALUE: 100%=$285 60%=$150
For revolvers equipped with Bourne Knuckleduster add 100%

08-11-2009, 11:08 PM	#1
davids585 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1	Iver Johnson .32 cal. I have a Iver Johnson 32 cal. top break revolver. It appears to be a double post top break 5 shot. The patent information is located on the butt and the seral number is located on the bottom of the trigger guard. It is 49533. The second Serial Number has a prefix "H" 49533 and is located on the left side of the grip. I have found lots of information on the serial numbers and their meaning, but no information on the prefix "H". Is this gun made after 1898? This revolver is hammerless and the plate appears to be part of the frame. Also the cylinder free spins when closed. Is this gun considered a antique? I have attempted to upload 2 pictures to help. Any help would be appreciated. Attached Images -->

08-12-2009, 01:37 PM	#2
b.goforth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 3,174	Re: Iver Johnson .32 cal. the letter code H was used only one time of the small frame 32 S&W caliber second model safety automatic hammerless revolver. that was in 1903. SECOND MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMERLESS REVOLVER (Black Powder Cartridges)------------- -–1896-1908 LARGE FRAME AND SMALL FRAME VERSIONS USES HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION: Double top post barrel latch, Hammer the Hammer action, nickel finish with blue optional, two frame sizes and three calibers. Hard rubber grip panels with Owls head at top. Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire with 7 rounds cylinder capacity, .32 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Standard barrel length: small frame 3 inches, large frame 3 ¼ inches; 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 all length: small frame with 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 Second Model features a double top post barrel latch, flat leaf hammer spring and two cross pins in the lower frame. VALUE: 100%=$285 60%=$150 For revolvers equipped with Bourne Knuckleduster add 100% __________________ Author: Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works 1871-1993 H&R Arms Company 1871-1986 (due spring 2010) available from www.gunshowbooks.com website; iverjohnsoncollector.x10hosting.com