Iver Johnson Revolver Questions

[b.goforth]

alamoa,
the model name of your revolver is "u.s. revolver co. double action" serial number F24926 was manufactured in 1927. there were 5,100 of this model manufactured that year.

try numrich arms (www.e-gunparts.com) for grips.
bill

[alamoa]

Bill,
would you know the model number ie.. 1900....

thanks

[b.goforth]

the 'u.s. revolver co. double action' is a variation of the iver johnson model 1900 and most parts do interchange. however it has no model number just the name
bill

[rdhawk]

Recently picked up an Iver Johnson Safety Automatic revolver, it does have a hammer, and it's a 5-shot 32 S&W revolver. Top-break, serial number is just 39773, patents are up to 1896. Any suggestions as to a possible year of make for this gun?

Oh, and does anyone know how to fix the problem where the trigger won't go forward after it's pulled? The cylinder does rotate with the trigger being pulled, and everything else works fine but the trigger not going forward. Thanks for any help you can give.

[b.goforth]

1896 patent dates were used on both second and third models in different forms and in different locations. the trigger problem is a broken trigger return spring. an easy fix and parts are available but different between the second and third model.

the best way to determine which model you have is describe all the markings and where they are located and give the serial number found on the left side of the grip frame under the grips. this is the main serial number location. the grips must be removed to see this location. with out this information a really can't tell you much about your revolver, sorry.
bill

[rdhawk]

The serial number is 39773. No letter prefix, just 39773.

[b.goforth]

is this serial number on the bottom of the trigger guard, on the left side of the grip frame under the grips or on the bottom of the butt strap.

if this number is on the left side of the grip frame i will definitely need to know all the markings and where they are found.

the only second and third models (manufactured after 1896) with out a letter code prefix to the serial number found on the left side of the grip frame were special order and should have something special, fancy grips, engraving, knuckleduster grip adapter or extra long barrel.

there were some first models and some very early 38 caliber second models that do not have a letter code but these models have a 1893 patent date not an 1896.

a picture will tell which model it is but not the date of manufacture. the more information i have the easier it will be.
bill

[rdhawk]

Attatched are photos (best i could do myself) of the gun. There are no spacial marks, and the serial number is on the left side of the handle, under the grip. There is an extra seven, close to but not with the serial number, and it's engraved up-and-down, not sideways like the serial number.

[b.goforth]

the extra 7 you refer to is most likely a badly stamp letter code A, E or F iver johnson hand stamped all serial numbers and letter codes during this time.

the picture shows this to be a second model suitable for black powder cartridge pressures only. the second models were manufactured between 1896 and 1908

since i still don't know anything more about the patents dates i will have to do some guessing. if there are four patent dates (4-6-86, 2-15-87, 5-10-87 & 8-25-96) it was manufactured between 1896 and 1899. if there are 5 patent dates (4-6-86, 2-15-87, 5-10-87, 3-13-88 & 8-25-96) it was manufactured between 1900 and 1904. if there are two patent dates on the bottom of the butt (6-16-96, 8-25-96) it was manufactured 1905 to 1907 and if there are three patent dates on the butt strap (6-16-96, 8-25-96, & 9-6-04) the year of manufacture is 1908.

sorry but this is the best i can do for now.
bill

[RedFive21]

Hey I was wondering if someone could help me track down a little history on this Iver Johnson Revolver I recently inherited from my grandmother, she said it had belonged to her grandfather who had carried it while working on the railroad. I am interested in restoring it if it will fire modern ammo, if not I'm planning on just displaying it. Here's some pictures.



Any info would be very much appreciated. The serial number on the bottom of the grip is the only number markings on the gun. There are none under the grips. Thanks.

[b.goforth]

this is a iver johnson's arms and cycle works 'safety automatic hammer revolver' large frame second model 38 S&W caliber. this revolver with the serial number on the bottom of the butt and no letter code was manufactured in 1895.

all large frame second model safety automatic revolvers (1895-1908) were manufactured for black powder cartridge pressures and are not considered safe with smokeless ammo.

the safety automatic revolvers were considered a working man's gun, safe, dependable and not as costly as a s&w or colt. entirely safe with a full cylinder because of the transfer bar ignition system that was used on all 'safety automatic revolvers' the patent for the transfer bar ignition system was applied for in 1893 but not granted until 1896.

please excuse the plug but more information on this and other iver johnson firearms can be found in my book.
bill

[sjharr]

Wow, the perfect forum for my curiosity. I have an Iver Johnson in my possesion and would like to get some information on it. It is a top breaking, 5 shot, 38 short cal. pistol. The only serial markings are beneath the trigger guard and on the left side of the frame beneath the grip, both stamped numbers are "1966". The markings on the top saddle read "Iver Johnson's Arms and Cycle Works. Fitchburg, Mass, U.S.A" Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Steve

[b.goforth]

steve,
sound like a second or third model 'safety automatic revolver' with a special order serial number. special order numbers were given to any revolvers that were removed from the assembly line to have something added to it and were numbered from 1 up with each type havings its own series. special orders were things like fancy grips or finishes and any additional machining that needed to be done.

i would really need good clear pictures of the gun. to include the grip frame area (without the grips). check closely for marking on the side of the barrel or bottom of the butt they may be very faint. for now all i can tell you is was made after 1904 as that is the date the serial number on the bottom of the trigger guard was added. patent dates were not used on the top of the barrel after 1900 but were continued to be marked in other places (left side of barrel and or bottom of butt until well into the 1920's). with out pictures i can't even tell you what model it is.

there were 3 models of the safety automatic revolver starting in 1894 and ending with a few assembled after the war in 1946.
bill

[yulem]

Here's another Iver Johnson variant.
It is a 32-5 shot revolver.
Info on top of rib is:

Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Fitohburg Mass. U.S.A.
Pat'd Apr 5,86, Feb 15,87, May10,87, Aug25,96. Pats. Pending

Serial number under left handle is "A 2567"; I think.
The "A" is smaller than the numbers and poorly formed.

I can find no other info even under magnification.
There is an owl on top of both grips.
It was blued at one time.

I also have a second similar to others described earlier in forum.
It is a 32-5 shot hammerless variant.
It looks and breaks the same as my other IJ, but with no hammer.
Info on rib is:

US Revolver Co.
Made in USA

That's it!
Serial number under left grip is "B 17115"
Serial number on bottom of trigger guard is "17115"
At the top of each grip is "US"
I'm assuming it's an Iver Johnson, correct?

Here's a picture of the first weapon, (I hope?);

Thank you for any information.

[b.goforth]

yulem,
your picture shows a small frame 'second model safety automatic hammer revolver' (1897-1908). serial number A2567 (found on the left side of the grip frame) was manufactured in 1897 (with approx.50,000 manufactured). the caliber is 32 S&W. this revolver was manufactured for black powder cartridge pressures and is not considered safe with modern ammo.

the u.s. revolver co. handguns were manufactured by iver johnson's arms and cycle works between 1910 and 1935. the u.s.revolver co. handguns are simular but not identical to the "safety automatic revolver'. they were manufactured so iver johnson would have a product that could be sold by the many mail order companies popular at the time. iver johnson's own iver johnson sporting good co. of boston did a brisk mail order business as well as having several retail stores.

your "u.s. revolver co. hammerless automatic revolver" is also is 32S&W caliber. serial number B17115 was manufactured in 1920. there were 7,000 of this model made that year. the 'u.s. revolver co. hammerless automatic' revolvers were not equipped with the transfer bar ignition system of the safety automatic revolvers, they relied on a unique rebounding two-piece hammer for safety. therefore it is safer if an empty chamber is kept under the hammer when carried. this revolver is suitable for modern ammo if in shootable condition.

both of these revolvers are covered in detail in my book. along with parts drawings.
bill

[yulem]

Bill,
Thank you for quick and informed reply.
Do either of these two hand guns have a market and if so what might a price range be? Neither is in great condition.
Thanks again,
Ralph

[b.goforth]

yes, there is a market for these handguns but it is different in different parts of the u.s.a. the best place to get an idea of actual selling prices nation wide is check the auction sites and actual sales on these models. a lot are put up for auction but with high starting bid and therefore get no bids.

in Houston the second model safety automatic small frame in 50 to 60% may bring $50 to $60. the u.s. revolver co. in the same condition would probably bring about the same. if offered to me at one of the gunshows i set up at that is about what i would give, less if i was going to break them down for parts and more if i need them for my collection.

both of these revolvers are eligible to be purchased with a C&R license or via form 4473 to a non licensee if sold through a dealer. individual to individual sales are governed by state laws and are different in just about every state
bill

[khoujw]

Howdy,
I am new to this forum and IJ revolvers but found this thread while doing some research and it has been very informative.
Brief background - I participate in Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) matches and wanted a pocket pistol for side matches. I purchased an Iver Johnson top break revolver today and am trying to pinpoint exactly what I have. Here's the description:

Blued, 3"bbl, .38 S&W, Exposed hammer with a transfer bar safety mechanism, grip butt is hard to make out - it was stamped twice but lettering on 2nd stamp was offset - appears to be 2 lines - first line is a patent date (illegible) and second line appears to read "Patent Pending"
Top of barrel has 2 lines - first line reads * IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS AND CYCLE WORKS *
Second line reads * FITCHBURG. MASS. U.S.A. *
Serial number 85141 is stamped under the trigger guard and frame beneth the left grip plate displays s/n 85141 Plus an "H" about 1/2 inch to the left. Hammer spring is of the adjustable coiled spring variety.
From the info I've gathered from the previous (and very imformative) posts I believe I have a 3rd model Safety Automatic Hammer Revolver, Large Frame, manufactured between 1911 - 1913 and designed for smokless powder. It is fairly tight and barrel is shiny with good rifling, overall seems to be in good mechanical condition. I am looking for any additional details that may be available.

Edit - Revised to add that after examining the left grip frame a second time, I did find an "H" stamped about half an inch to the left of the serial number.
Thanks,
John

[b.goforth]

john,
most likely the line you can't read very well is "PAT'D.NOV.17.08". this one patent date marking was used on most safety attomatic revolvers between 1918 and 1941.

your revolver is a third model (1909-1941) large frame 'safety automatic hammer revolver'. serial number H 85141 was manufactured in 1930. there were 1,300 of this model manufactured that year. all third models are considered safe with smokeless ammo as long as they are in shootable condition.

for your information total production of the third model (1909-1941) large frame safety automatic hammer revolver was 194,500. the third model was the only large frame model to be offered in both a 5 shot 38 S&W and a 6 shot 32 S&W Long, which iver johnson call their '32 SPECIAL MODEL'.
bill

[khoujw]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it!
John

[egod666]

I just recieved an old Iver and what i was told was that it was made in 1887, I asked another "specialist" and they told me that that was the serial number as in "87" is in the only numbers on the gun. It is a five shooter .38 break open, also hammerless with a sort of trigger safety, any idea on what something like this might be worth?

[b.goforth]

before i can even begin to give a value i need to know several things;
1.what are the exact markings and where are they found?
2. what is the serial number located either on the bottom of the butt strap or on the left side of the grip frame under the grips panel (the grip will need to be removed to see)?
3. other things it would be nice to know; caliber, barrel length, top break /solid frame model and finish

iver johnson was making both solid frame and top break revolvers in 1887 but it is hard to date them to that exact year.
bill

[paton]

Needing info on the following Ivey-Johnson hammerless automatic

revolver cal. 32S&W .

The serial number on the bottom of the grip is B3115

Any information about the year of this gun will be appreciate.-

[b.goforth]

paton,
a "iver johnson's arms & cycle works' small frame 32 caliber 'safety automatic hammerless revolver' with the letter code B and serial number on the bottom of the butt is most likely a first model manufactured in 1896. to be 100% sure i would need to know the exact barrel markings and if it has the single top post barrel latch or the double top post barrel latch.
bill

[paton]

Hello b.goforth I am from Spain and my Englis is weak,as son i could I raise photos of the revolver.-
Thanks for all