US Revolver Company - The Firearms Forum

grayumw · 04-15-2008, 08:57 AM

I found a compact 5 shot break action revolver with US Revolver Co. on the top of the barrel and the serial number 88000 on the bottom of the trigger guard and left side of the grip rail under the grip. I do not even know what caliber the gun is but I am guessing 22 or 25. ANy ideas??? Please see attached pictures. Lots of rust but appears to be a fully functional gun. I would love to shoot it if I could get some ideas on the caliber. Bill

b.goforth · 04-15-2008, 11:30 AM

this appears to be a small frame 32 S&W caliber U.S. Revolver Co. Automatic (top break). these were manufactured between 1910 and 1935 by iver johnson's arms & cycle works as an inexpensive alternative to their main top break revolver the safety automatic revolver. the u.s. revolver co. products do not have the "hammer the hammer" action (transfer bar ignition system). serial number 88000 (with no letter code) was manufactured in 1916.

this revolver exhibts an excessive amount of rust to the nickel finish. i would supect the internal mechanism is also in very bad shape (rust wise). this revolver should be cleaned and oiled before attempting to fire. with this amount of rust on the frame, barrel and cylinder don't be surprised if the the leaf springs began to break.

caliber 32 S&W manufacture date 1916. please clean and check carefully before attempting to fire, as this revolver has not been well cared for.
bill

grayumw · 03-26-2011, 09:52 AM

Thanks for the info. I have spent a good deal of time cleaning up and in fact the internal mechanism is in very good shape. I have had it looked at by a local gunsmith and he agrees it is a 32 caliber. We are still working on it but will carefully fire it soon.

woolleyworm · 03-26-2011, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grayumw

Thanks for the info. I have spent a good deal of time cleaning up and in fact the internal mechanism is in very good shape. I have had it looked at by a local gunsmith and he agrees it is a 32 caliber. We are still working on it but will carefully fire it soon.

Welcome back Gray and can't wait until you can get it out to the range for a test fire. Mr Goforth has since passed away between your last post. He was THE expert on these guns and is greatly missed. He would have been proud of the restoration and TLC that you've put into it.

fuzebox40 · 03-27-2011, 04:20 AM

Hi guys, here's a couple that also had a very poor finish on them, not worth saving but the guns themselves only needed minor smithing so I chose to make them my test subjects for Duracoat gunpaint which I'd been wanting to try. They're basically brothers, the small one being identical to yours grayumw and the larger one is the .38 cal. I've had them a while now and still haven't taken'm to the range with me yet, but I fully intend to. Anyway I thought I'd show these examples of a paint-on finish incase your not happy with how the nickle turns out sinse blueing is not really an option. Good luck with it.

bobhelmick · 05-05-2011, 08:11 PM

Thanks for all the info about US Revolver Co. I just discovered that name on a 32 Cal. that I got from my Dad and I knew nothing about It or the CO. My pistol is in very used condition, better than the rusty one but not a whole lot, and has a number stamped on the bottom of the trigger guard. # is 41767 and is very visible, is missing the front blade sight. Should I keep it or throw it away?

hrf · 05-05-2011, 08:32 PM

Welcome to the forum. Assuming your gun is a top-break type like first pic in this string, it was made in period 1910-1934. If you want a more exact date, copy the serial number stamped on frame under left grip, which may have a letter prefix, and also state if it's a hammer or hammerless model.

admiral45 · 07-10-2011, 11:35 AM

I have a US Revolver Co. top break, 7 shot, 32 caliber pistol. The identification numbers under the trigger are 18 3 99. It is in exceptionally good shape with the chrome, handle grips and mechaniism all intact. It looks almost new. Does anybody have any info on it or what it might be worth?

hrf · 07-10-2011, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by admiral45

I have a US Revolver Co. top break, 7 shot, 32 caliber pistol. The identification numbers under the trigger are 18 3 99. It is in exceptionally good shape with the chrome, handle grips and mechaniism all intact. It looks almost new. Does anybody have any info on it or what it might be worth?

Read my last reply before your post. If it's chrome plated, it has been refinished, original finish was either nickel plate or blued. If original in condition you list, value probably in $100-$150 range.

admiral45 · 07-10-2011, 04:00 PM

Thanks for the info on my US Revolver Co. pistol.

wilddawg · 07-26-2011, 11:52 AM

I have a U.S. Revolver Co. .32 caliber 5 shot hammer top break and was hoping to find out the year of manufacture. The serial number is A65339. That is from under the left grip.

hrf · 07-26-2011, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilddawg

I have a U.S. Revolver Co. .32 caliber 5 shot hammer top break and was hoping to find out the year of manufacture. The serial number is A65339. That is from under the left grip.

Welcome to the forum.

U. S. small frame hammer model .32 serial no. A65339 was made in 1924

Jim Hauff · 07-26-2011, 01:39 PM

I've never heard of a 7 shot .32 S&W top break. I know H&R and presumably IJ made some SA spur trigger revolvers in 7 shot .32 rf - and that both companies made 7 shot .22rf revolvers on small frames - but 7 x .32 hinged frame is a new one for me. Anybody else have info?

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hrf · 07-26-2011, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Hauff

I've never heard of a 7 shot .32 S&W top break. I know H&R and presumably IJ made some SA spur trigger revolvers in 7 shot .32 rf - and that both companies made 7 shot .22rf revolvers on small frames - but 7 x .32 hinged frame is a new one for me. Anybody else have info?

admiral45 never provided the details to properly identify his gun, but he probably miscounted or it was a .22

Jim Hauff · 07-26-2011, 03:42 PM

hrf,
Didn't notice the date of his entry - just cruising a bit today - but the question remains:
.22 or .32 and I won't rest until I find the answer.....

wilddawg · 07-27-2011, 12:09 PM

Thanks for the information.

OBI · 12-14-2011, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Hauff

I've never heard of a 7 shot .32 S&W top break. I know H&R and presumably IJ made some SA spur trigger revolvers in 7 shot .32 rf - and that both companies made 7 shot .22rf revolvers on small frames - but 7 x .32 hinged frame is a new one for me. Anybody else have info?

Attachment 49688

I have a identical gun to which you show in this post. But I need a cylinder and cylinder pin to make it functional. Any ideas???

Jim Hauff · 12-14-2011, 04:28 PM

These guns were made prior to 1880 and not many of them show up now adays. You can try Numrich/GPC - they don't list them, but they may have one stashed away somewhere.
also try:
www.jackfirstgun.com
www.wisnersinc.com
www.schludershots.com

If these dealers in obsolete gun parts don't have the parts you need, then perhaps you will need to monitor the online gun auction sites for a parts gun. Could take a while though.

NicoleB · 02-26-2012, 11:35 AM

My first post, so if I should start a new one let me know. Sound linke same topic maybe.
I was given a revolver and have been trying to find out what exactly it is (caliber, year, etc.). I know it is a US Revolver, SN 22324, 7 shot, and I think top break means it opens to load the ammo, right? Its pretty rusty, and seems to be black to me. Wanted to find our whether it is worth cleaning or taking to a gun smith.
Thanks for any info!
Nicole

fuzebox40 · 02-26-2012, 11:54 AM

Where did you take S.N. from, trigger guard or under the grip? The number under the left side grip is the one we need. It may be the same but then it may also have a letter code included such as the letter C then the number.
I think it's a .38 cal. but if you don't know measure accross the cylinder bore for us.

And welcome to The Firearms Forum Nicole!

hrf · 02-26-2012, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicoleB

My first post, so if I should start a new one let me know. Sound linke same topic maybe.
I was given a revolver and have been trying to find out what exactly it is (caliber, year, etc.). I know it is a US Revolver, SN 22324, 7 shot, and I think top break means it opens to load the ammo, right? Its pretty rusty, and seems to be black to me. Wanted to find our whether it is worth cleaning or taking to a gun smith.
Thanks for any info!
Nicole

Welcome to the forum Nicole.

Fuzebox, if it's a 7-shot it's a .22, and Nicole, if the number on frame under left grip has no letter prefix it was made in 1911 but if it has prefix of letter A, made in 1919.

It can be cleaned some using 0000 steel wool and a little oil, but nothing any coarser should be used. And if mechanically correct, it should be OK to fire with standard velocity .22 ammo (no hi-speed stuff)

And in case you didn't know, these were made by Iver Johnson for sale by mailorder houses.

NicoleB · 02-26-2012, 08:10 PM

fuzebox and hrf,
Only SN i found was under left grip. Bore measures about 5mm.
Wow, hope I am only a little rusty when I am 91

Think I'll take it in and get it checked out before firing.
Thanks for the info!
Nicole

fuzebox40 · 02-26-2012, 08:14 PM

Ah, I didn't even consider that. I only looked at the trigger guard in reference to frame but the cylinder is rather obvious isn't it.

hrf · 02-26-2012, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicoleB

fuzebox and hrf,
Only SN i found was under left grip. Bore measures about 5mm.
Wow, hope I am only a little rusty when I am 91

Think I'll take it in and get it checked out before firing.
Thanks for the info!
Nicole

If no letter A serial no. prefix, it's 101

bobhelmick · 03-03-2012, 02:59 PM

My US Revolver- 5 round 32 has the following # A41467. any thing else that you can share with me is appreciate.

04-15-2008, 08:57 AM	#1
grayumw Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2	US Revolver Company I found a compact 5 shot break action revolver with US Revolver Co. on the top of the barrel and the serial number 88000 on the bottom of the trigger guard and left side of the grip rail under the grip. I do not even know what caliber the gun is but I am guessing 22 or 25. ANy ideas??? Please see attached pictures. Lots of rust but appears to be a fully functional gun. I would love to shoot it if I could get some ideas on the caliber. Bill Attached Images -->

04-15-2008, 11:30 AM	#2
b.goforth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 3,174	Re: US Revolver Company this appears to be a small frame 32 S&W caliber U.S. Revolver Co. Automatic (top break). these were manufactured between 1910 and 1935 by iver johnson's arms & cycle works as an inexpensive alternative to their main top break revolver the safety automatic revolver. the u.s. revolver co. products do not have the "hammer the hammer" action (transfer bar ignition system). serial number 88000 (with no letter code) was manufactured in 1916. this revolver exhibts an excessive amount of rust to the nickel finish. i would supect the internal mechanism is also in very bad shape (rust wise). this revolver should be cleaned and oiled before attempting to fire. with this amount of rust on the frame, barrel and cylinder don't be surprised if the the leaf springs began to break. caliber 32 S&W manufacture date 1916. please clean and check carefully before attempting to fire, as this revolver has not been well cared for. bill __________________ 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

03-26-2011, 09:52 AM	#3
grayumw Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2	Re: US Revolver Company Thanks for the info. I have spent a good deal of time cleaning up and in fact the internal mechanism is in very good shape. I have had it looked at by a local gunsmith and he agrees it is a 32 caliber. We are still working on it but will carefully fire it soon.

03-27-2011, 04:20 AM	#5
fuzebox40 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Apple Valley, Ca. Contributor Posts: 1,486	Re: US Revolver Company Hi guys, here's a couple that also had a very poor finish on them, not worth saving but the guns themselves only needed minor smithing so I chose to make them my test subjects for Duracoat gunpaint which I'd been wanting to try. They're basically brothers, the small one being identical to yours grayumw and the larger one is the .38 cal. I've had them a while now and still haven't taken'm to the range with me yet, but I fully intend to. Anyway I thought I'd show these examples of a paint-on finish incase your not happy with how the nickle turns out sinse blueing is not really an option. Good luck with it. Attached Images

05-05-2011, 08:11 PM	#6
bobhelmick Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Rio Rancho ,NM Posts: 3	Re: US Revolver Company Thanks for all the info about US Revolver Co. I just discovered that name on a 32 Cal. that I got from my Dad and I knew nothing about It or the CO. My pistol is in very used condition, better than the rusty one but not a whole lot, and has a number stamped on the bottom of the trigger guard. # is 41767 and is very visible, is missing the front blade sight. Should I keep it or throw it away?

05-05-2011, 08:32 PM	#7
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,308	Re: US Revolver Company Welcome to the forum. Assuming your gun is a top-break type like first pic in this string, it was made in period 1910-1934. If you want a more exact date, copy the serial number stamped on frame under left grip, which may have a letter prefix, and also state if it's a hammer or hammerless model. Last edited by hrf; 05-05-2011 at 08:39 PM..

07-10-2011, 11:35 AM	#8
admiral45 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2	Re: US Revolver Company I have a US Revolver Co. top break, 7 shot, 32 caliber pistol. The identification numbers under the trigger are 18 3 99. It is in exceptionally good shape with the chrome, handle grips and mechaniism all intact. It looks almost new. Does anybody have any info on it or what it might be worth?

07-10-2011, 04:00 PM	#10
admiral45 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2	Re: US Revolver Company Thanks for the info on my US Revolver Co. pistol.

07-26-2011, 11:52 AM	#11
wilddawg Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2	Re: US Revolver Company I have a U.S. Revolver Co. .32 caliber 5 shot hammer top break and was hoping to find out the year of manufacture. The serial number is A65339. That is from under the left grip.

07-26-2011, 01:39 PM	#13
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: US Revolver Company I've never heard of a 7 shot .32 S&W top break. I know H&R and presumably IJ made some SA spur trigger revolvers in 7 shot .32 rf - and that both companies made 7 shot .22rf revolvers on small frames - but 7 x .32 hinged frame is a new one for me. Anybody else have info? __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie

07-26-2011, 03:42 PM	#15
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: US Revolver Company hrf, Didn't notice the date of his entry - just cruising a bit today - but the question remains: .22 or .32 and I won't rest until I find the answer..... __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie

07-27-2011, 12:09 PM	#16
wilddawg Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2	Re: US Revolver Company Thanks for the information.

12-14-2011, 04:28 PM	#18
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: US Revolver Company These guns were made prior to 1880 and not many of them show up now adays. You can try Numrich/GPC - they don't list them, but they may have one stashed away somewhere. also try: www.jackfirstgun.com www.wisnersinc.com www.schludershots.com If these dealers in obsolete gun parts don't have the parts you need, then perhaps you will need to monitor the online gun auction sites for a parts gun. Could take a while though. __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie

02-26-2012, 11:35 AM	#19
NicoleB Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 2	Re: US Revolver Company My first post, so if I should start a new one let me know. Sound linke same topic maybe. I was given a revolver and have been trying to find out what exactly it is (caliber, year, etc.). I know it is a US Revolver, SN 22324, 7 shot, and I think top break means it opens to load the ammo, right? Its pretty rusty, and seems to be black to me. Wanted to find our whether it is worth cleaning or taking to a gun smith. Thanks for any info! Nicole Attached Images

02-26-2012, 11:54 AM	#20
fuzebox40 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Apple Valley, Ca. Contributor Posts: 1,486	Re: US Revolver Company Where did you take S.N. from, trigger guard or under the grip? The number under the left side grip is the one we need. It may be the same but then it may also have a letter code included such as the letter C then the number. I think it's a .38 cal. but if you don't know measure accross the cylinder bore for us. And welcome to The Firearms Forum Nicole! Last edited by fuzebox40; 02-26-2012 at 12:06 PM..

02-26-2012, 08:10 PM	#22
NicoleB Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 2	Re: US Revolver Company fuzebox and hrf, Only SN i found was under left grip. Bore measures about 5mm. Wow, hope I am only a little rusty when I am 91 Think I'll take it in and get it checked out before firing. Thanks for the info! Nicole

02-26-2012, 08:14 PM	#23
fuzebox40 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Apple Valley, Ca. Contributor Posts: 1,486	Re: US Revolver Company Ah, I didn't even consider that. I only looked at the trigger guard in reference to frame but the cylinder is rather obvious isn't it.

03-03-2012, 02:59 PM	#25
bobhelmick Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Rio Rancho ,NM Posts: 3	Re: US Revolver Company My US Revolver- 5 round 32 has the following # A41467. any thing else that you can share with me is appreciate.