Found Grandpa's Gun - The Firearms Forum

BabySully · 10-12-2012, 07:57 PM

I found this pistol in my Granfathers things after he passed.

I was wondering if someone could tell me what kind it is and what year it was manufactured.

hrf · 10-12-2012, 08:30 PM

Welcome to TFF.

It's a 3rd Model Iver Johnson hammerless made between 1909 and 1934/35, probably .38 S&W caliber.

The serial number should be repeated under left grip with a letter prefix that will identify year made and caliber.

BabySully · 10-13-2012, 12:58 PM

HRF

Thanks for the information. I never thought I would find a location like this with so muc information. The letter is "D" I attached a pic.

Also the right grip is damaged. Are there places out there to buy a replacement/old parts?

If the value of this gun isnt very higg I would love to get it working and in good shape to shoot it!

hrf · 10-13-2012, 01:35 PM

Made in 1911 for smokeless powder .38 S&W ammo.

Here's a source of repro grips: http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-1820430..._2232_93384888

Value in condition shown is low, probably less than $100.

BabySully · 10-14-2012, 08:33 AM

That is great. Cant wait to shoot his 100 year old gun! Thank you for all of your help.

I have some other long rifles he brought back from WWII. I will post them in the future.

BabySully · 10-14-2012, 08:41 AM

Sorry I forgot to ask. Are there certain people that specialize or have good knowledge about refurbishing these guns. I notice the front sight is missing, etc.

Jim K · 10-14-2012, 04:05 PM

A poster here, StoneChimney, as said that he repairs and refurbishes those guns.

Most gunsmiths won't take them in because repairs are time-consuming and frustrating and usually cost more than the gun is worth. If the missing sight is the only problem, and you feel like a little DIY, one can be made from a nickel in an hour or less. They were made a bit oversize and press fitted in, so there is nothing to drill or tap.

Jim

Big Shrek · 10-16-2012, 01:03 AM

Anytime you see the OWL on the top of the grips, start thinking Iver Johnson

HossFly · 10-17-2012, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Shrek

Anytime you see the OWL on the top of the grips, start thinking Iver Johnson

Hey Shrek

Big Shrek · 10-18-2012, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HossFly

Hey Shrek

I know, I'm like a bad penny, just turning up everywhere

Well, just the better firearms boards...LOL

10-12-2012, 07:57 PM	#1
BabySully Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 4	Found Grandpa's Gun I found this pistol in my Granfathers things after he passed. I was wondering if someone could tell me what kind it is and what year it was manufactured. Attached Images -->

10-12-2012, 08:30 PM	#2
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,277	Re: Found Grandpa's Gun Welcome to TFF. It's a 3rd Model Iver Johnson hammerless made between 1909 and 1934/35, probably .38 S&W caliber. The serial number should be repeated under left grip with a letter prefix that will identify year made and caliber.

10-13-2012, 12:58 PM	#3
BabySully Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 4	Re: Found Grandpa's Gun HRF Thanks for the information. I never thought I would find a location like this with so muc information. The letter is "D" I attached a pic. Also the right grip is damaged. Are there places out there to buy a replacement/old parts? If the value of this gun isnt very higg I would love to get it working and in good shape to shoot it! Attached Images

10-13-2012, 01:35 PM	#4
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,277	Re: Found Grandpa's Gun Made in 1911 for smokeless powder .38 S&W ammo. Here's a source of repro grips: http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-1820430..._2232_93384888 Value in condition shown is low, probably less than $100.

10-14-2012, 08:33 AM	#5
BabySully Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 4	Re: Found Grandpa's Gun That is great. Cant wait to shoot his 100 year old gun! Thank you for all of your help. I have some other long rifles he brought back from WWII. I will post them in the future.

10-14-2012, 08:41 AM	#6
BabySully Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 4	Re: Found Grandpa's Gun Sorry I forgot to ask. Are there certain people that specialize or have good knowledge about refurbishing these guns. I notice the front sight is missing, etc.

10-14-2012, 04:05 PM	#7
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Found Grandpa's Gun A poster here, StoneChimney, as said that he repairs and refurbishes those guns. Most gunsmiths won't take them in because repairs are time-consuming and frustrating and usually cost more than the gun is worth. If the missing sight is the only problem, and you feel like a little DIY, one can be made from a nickel in an hour or less. They were made a bit oversize and press fitted in, so there is nothing to drill or tap. Jim

10-16-2012, 01:03 AM	#8
Big Shrek Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NorthWest Florida Posts: 923	Re: Found Grandpa's Gun Anytime you see the OWL on the top of the grips, start thinking Iver Johnson __________________ Marlin Specialist Calico Specialist A gun should be a tool in the hands of a deadly weapon, not a deadly weapon in the hands of a tool.