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Old 01-01-2009, 09:11 PM   #1
the lorax
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Default Iver Johnson model 1900

My mother in law has a small collection of firearms, most if not all will go to my 6 year old when he is old enough to use them. most are older weapons, Winchester model 1897 and 1912 shotguns, Winchester model 1890 .22 short rifle, (2) Stevens model 87B .22 long rifles, Winchester model 61 .22 long rifle and an Iver Johnson model 1900 double action .32 5 shot revolver. I can find a reasonable amount of information about the Winchesters and the Stevens seems to have a good bit of info about them out there (by the way, where does one find the serial number on a Stevens rifle?) I have not had much luck in finding info about the I J. Actually, my search for information led me to this forum. so anything I could learn about this interesting little handgun would be useful, most of what I've been able to glean has reference an octagonal barrel whereas this one has a round barrel. again, any info I could get would be helpful, thanks in advance.
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Old 01-02-2009, 02:30 PM   #2
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

I.J. MODEL 1900----------------------------------------1900-1941
Does not have Hammer the Hammer action, solid frame, double action, pull pin cylinder release. Nickel finish standard with blue optional, all barrels are octagon shaped. Offered in three frame sizes and four calibers, grip panels are hard rubber with Owls head logo; Barrel length; small frame 2 ¼ inches, medium & large frame 2 ½ inches, other length barrels were offered at extra charge; Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire with 7 rounds cylinder capacity; medium frame .32 rimfire & centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity, large frame .32 centerfire with 6 rounds cylinder capacity, .38 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Weight with standard barrel length: small frame 11 ounces, medium frame 12 ounces, large frame 18 ounces; Height: small frame 3 3/8 inches, medium frame 3 ½ inches, large frame 3 7/8 inches; Frame length: small frame 4 inches, medium frame 4 ¼ inches, large frame 4 7/8 inches; Overall length with standard barrel length: small frame 6 inches, medium frame 6 1/8 inches, large frame 6 ¾ inches. Note: large frame model not introduced until 1903. DOES NOT HAVE HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION.
VALUE: 100%=$135 60%=$85

be aware if this model 1900 does not have a letter code prefix to the serial number found on the left side of the grip frame under the grip panel it was manufactured for black powder cartridge pressures and is not considered safe with modern ammo (these were manufactured between 1900 and 1908). i would very much like to see a picture of this revolver because until now i have not seen one with a round barrel.

some stevens 22 rifles manufactured right before and right after wwII (up until 1968) did not have serial numbers.
bill
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Old 01-02-2009, 04:16 PM   #3
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

I will get a pic for you, I wish I had seen your reply earlier in the day as I just got home from the mother in law's house. I'll try to make it a point to get over there this weekend and get a pic and get it posted. Thanks for the reply, although I believe this one does have an exposed hammer, it has IJ model 1900 stamped on the top of the gun and I think an "s" or a "2" or something stamped on the bottom near the trigger guard. forgive me for not having a better memory about this piece, I was trying to inventory all the weapons for her and was looking at several firearms during this time. Again, I'll try to get some pics of it this weekend. thanks again, Matt
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Old 01-07-2009, 08:11 PM   #4
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

OK, I have some photographs, first, I was mistaken, the barrel is octagonal, I was cataloging and moving the entirety of my mother in law's firearms when I looked at it last, and not being a real firearms expert, they apparently all started to blend together. That said, the serial number on this revolver is 15838, I removed the grip from the handle and got that info, not on to the pics, I'm unfamiliar with the process on this site so please forgive if they don't upload on the first try.
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
I hope these come out alright. it does have some oddities about it, I was under the impression (possibly mistakenly so) that the animal's head on the grip was supposed to be an owl, this one has a dog on it, hopefully it comes out in the pictures. that is all I have for now, thanks for your help so far
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Old 01-08-2009, 01:00 PM   #5
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

model 1900 serial number 15838 (no letter code on left side of grip frame) was manufactured in 1901, approx 11,000 manufactured that year. this revolver was manufactured for black powder cartridge pressures and should not be fired with modern ammo.

the bulldog head grips are a after market replacement that appeared on the market in the 1940's thru the 1960's, original grips did have the owl's head at the top.
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Old 01-08-2009, 06:12 PM   #6
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

Thanks Very much for the information, my mother in law might find it as interesting as I do. the gun was purchased or bartered for by her grandmother when she lived in Sullivan, IN a very long time ago, my mother in law and her mother moved to the Dayton, OH area in the '40s or so, mother in law graduated from one of our local high schools in '53. I don't know when her grandmother passed away, it was pre - '93, that's when I got involved with the family, I had heard that she bought it @ a five and dime, or that she traded beer or food for it. No one seems to know for sure. I thank you again for all the info about the gun, I'll be sure to consult the forum again if I have more questions or when I'm ready to purchase a firearm for myself. thanks again, Matt
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Old 04-12-2009, 05:50 PM   #7
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

I have a I.J. Double Action Model 1900. This is what it says above the cylinder. On the trigger guard the number stamped is 36312. Also on the pistol grip is an Owl.
Does anyone know the age and value.
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Old 04-13-2009, 12:32 PM   #8
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

as stated above i need to know the serial number found on the left side of the grip frame, under the grips and caliber to give you the correct information on this model 1900
bill
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Old 05-21-2009, 09:10 PM   #9
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

I have one here that was given to me by a friend at my gun club. "I.J. Double Action
Model 1900"
stamped on top of gun. Serial # is 15619 with a letter code C
Can you tell me the year and if its a rimfire or centerfire? I think its a .32 but barrels look larger. I could be wrong though. Any help is appreciated, thanks!!!

BTW: its a 4" octagon barrel

Last edited by frostydevil; 05-21-2009 at 09:18 PM..
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Old 05-21-2009, 09:38 PM   #10
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

here are some pics, maybe you guys could tell me what its worth (probably not much)
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Old 05-22-2009, 11:29 AM   #11
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

Ok, after further research, I believe this is a .38 centerfire. Flat hammer spring also indicates to me (or maybe I'm wrong) that its a model produced pre 1909. Fer some reason, my digital camera must be cheap and I cant get good clear up close pics, but in my last picture, where the serial# is, the letter C is way to the left, away from the serial#, on the edge of the grip frame. In all the posts I have read, I havent found a reference to the letter C. Any help is appreciated greatly as this piece of history is really interesting!!
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Old 05-22-2009, 12:47 PM   #12
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

BTW, no other markings are on this gun, no patent dates on top or side of barrel. Serial number w/o letter code "C" is also on the trigger gaurd.
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Old 05-22-2009, 01:07 PM   #13
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

the flat hammer spring was used on the model 1900 from its introduction until it was discontinued in 1942. only on the top break safety automatic revolver was the hammer spring changed to a coil one in 1909. large frame model 1900 serial number C15619 was manufactured in 1932, there were 2,300 of this model manufactured that year. if the cylinder has 6 chambers it is 32 S&W Long caliber and if the cylinder has 5 chambers it is 38 S&W caliber. the 4 inch barrel was offered but seldom seen today.

I.J. MODEL 1900--------------------------------------------1900-1941
Does not have Hammer the Hammer action, solid frame, double action, pull pin cylinder release. Nickel finish standard with blue optional, all barrels are octagon shaped. Offered in three frame sizes and four calibers, grip panels are hard rubber with Owls head logo; Barrel length; small frame 2 ¼ inches, medium & large frame 2 ½ inches, other length barrels were offered at extra charge; Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire with 7 rounds cylinder capacity; medium frame .32 rimfire & centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity, large frame .32 centerfire with 6 rounds cylinder capacity, .38 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Weight with standard barrel length: small frame 11 ounces, medium frame 12 ounces, large frame 18 ounces; Height: small frame 3 3/8 inches, medium frame 3 ½ inches, large frame 3 7/8 inches; Frame length: small frame 4 inches, medium frame 4 ¼ inches, large frame 4 7/8 inches; Overall length with standard barrel length: small frame 6 inches, medium frame 6 1/8 inches, large frame 6 ¾ inches. Note: large frame model not introduced until 1903. DOES NOT HAVE HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION.
VALUE: 100%=$135 60%=$85

bill
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Last edited by b.goforth; 05-22-2009 at 01:09 PM..
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Old 05-22-2009, 01:18 PM   #14
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

Thank you so much bill!!! Wish I could buy you a drink!
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Old 08-26-2009, 08:22 AM   #15
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

Could someone please help me out with this serial number. 21900 It's a .38cal flat hammer spring with a ~2" barrel.

From what I've read I think it's pre 1909 just looking for any other info I can find. It was my grandfather's pistol.

Thanks.
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Old 08-26-2009, 12:56 PM   #16
b.goforth
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

use the information above for values.

main serial number found on left side of grip frame under grip (must remove grip to see).

serial number 21900 on left side of grip frame no letter code manufactured in 1901

serial number F21900 on side side of grip frame manufactured in 1910

serial number C21900 on left side of grip frame manufactured in 1946

no letter code found on the left side of the grip frame would indicate this revolver was manufactured for black powder cartridge pressures only.
bill
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Old 08-26-2009, 01:14 PM   #17
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

b.goforth thanks for the info. There is no letter on the frame or trigger guard, therefore it should be a 1901 model made for blackpowder pressures. I'm glad I found this out before I threw a hot .38 in there and blew something of mine off.

I guess it's getting cleaned and displayed as an antique.
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Old 06-09-2011, 10:03 PM   #18
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Smile Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

The model 1900 was manufactured from 1900 to 1941. It was offered in three calibers and sizes. .22 cal rimfire (small sized), .32 cal center fire or rimfire ( medium sized), and .38 SW centerfire ( large sized).

The serial number is located under the grip panel and might also be found under the trigger guard. If your revolver is the earlier version, or a type 1, then the revolver will be marked on the top strap with I.J. DOUBLE ACTION MODEL, 1900. If it is a later version, or type 2, it will be marked on the top strap with DOUBLE ACTION FITCHBURG, MASS, MODEL 1900 U.S.A.

There were approximately 219,700 of your .32 cal model made from 1900 till it was discontinued in 1941.

All of this information came from W. E. Goforth's book titled Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Firearms 1897 - 1993.

I hope this helps!

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Old 06-10-2011, 08:02 AM   #19
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

Buck Cording,
Welcome to the forum.
If you will look back a couple postings previous to yours, you will see that Lynden was actually communicating with W.E. Goforth back in 8/2009.
Stick around, we can always use more help with the Iver Johnson pieces, now that Bill G. is no longer with us.
Thanks.
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Old 07-23-2011, 12:34 PM   #20
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

Quote:
Originally Posted by b.goforth View Post
use the information above for values.

main serial number found on left side of grip frame under grip (must remove grip to see).

serial number 21900 on left side of grip frame no letter code manufactured in 1901

serial number F21900 on side side of grip frame manufactured in 1910

serial number C21900 on left side of grip frame manufactured in 1946

no letter code found on the left side of the grip frame would indicate this revolver was manufactured for black powder cartridge pressures only.
bill
If it is made for black powder only then why are the only parts that you can buy for this gun as replacements are all centerfire or rimfire. They dont make black powder parts for this gun.
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Old 07-23-2011, 01:15 PM   #21
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

Quote:
Originally Posted by kylepanko
If it is made for black powder only then why are the only parts that you can buy for this gun as replacements are all centerfire or rimfire. They dont make black powder parts for this gun.
Welcome to the forum Kyle.

Maybe you are thinking that black powder only means muzzleloaders? All cartridges, rimfire and centerfire, were loaded with black powder until 1890s when smokeless powder was introduced, and black powder cartridges continued to be available until ca 1930s.

If you have a black powder era Model 1900 (made before 1909) and are concerned about using later replacement parts, don't be, as no changes in lockwork design were made in the 41 years of manufacture. The upgrade for smokeless powder was the use and preparation of a higher grade of steel for the frame and cylinder.

Last edited by hrf; 07-23-2011 at 03:21 PM..
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Old 07-31-2011, 06:40 PM   #22
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Default Re: Iver Johnson model 1900

Whoops - realized it is a different IJ model. Never mind;.
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