Iver Johnson top break - The Firearms Forum

Raging Bull · 02-16-2009, 04:42 PM

I have a Iver Johnson pistol, 5 shot cylinder, top break. The serial number under grips left side is D 52358. Under trigger guard is 52358. Black grips have IJ in center where grip screw goes and owl looking straight out. Top of Barrel has Company Name and Address. Barrel length is 3 1/4" from front of cylinder to barrel end. I think is may be a 38 but want to be sure. Any information would be greatly appreciated.thanks
Raging Bull

b.goforth · 02-17-2009, 02:05 PM

the D letter code was used on both the second and third model safety automatic hammerless revolvers. however it was only used on the third model after 1904 (the year the bottom of the trigger guard serial number location was added). third model safety automatic hammerless revolver serial number D52358 was manufactured in 1912, there were 3,900 of this model manufactured that year.

THIRD MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMERLESS REVOLVER
(Smokeless Powder Cartridges)-------------1909-1941
LARGE FRAME AND SMALL FRAME VERSIONS USES HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION; Double top post barrel latch, with Hammer the Hammer action, nickel finish standard blue optional. Two frame sizes, four calibers, hard rubber grip panels with Owls head at top, two piece oversize hard rubber and one piece wood grips optional. Redesigned for smokeless powder. Standard barrel length: small frame 3 inches, large frame 3 ¼ inches; Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire with 7 rounds cylinder capacity, .32 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity, large frame .32 Special with 6 rounds cylinder capacity, .38 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Weight: small frame .22 rimfire with 3 inch barrel 13 ½ ounces, .32 centerfire with 3 inch barrel 14 ounces, large frame .32 Special with 3 ¼ inch barrel 19 ¼ ounces, .38 centerfire with 3 ¼ inch barrel 19 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 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 Third Model features a double top post barrel latch, coil hammer spring and four cross pins in the lower frame.
VALUE: 100%=$260 60%=$125

bill

Raging Bull · 02-17-2009, 07:18 PM

Bill Thanks for all the information. It is greatly appreciated.

02-16-2009, 04:42 PM	#1
Raging Bull Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2	Iver Johnson top break I have a Iver Johnson pistol, 5 shot cylinder, top break. The serial number under grips left side is D 52358. Under trigger guard is 52358. Black grips have IJ in center where grip screw goes and owl looking straight out. Top of Barrel has Company Name and Address. Barrel length is 3 1/4" from front of cylinder to barrel end. I think is may be a 38 but want to be sure. Any information would be greatly appreciated.thanks Raging Bull -->

02-17-2009, 02:05 PM	#2
b.goforth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 3,174	Re: Iver Johnson top break the D letter code was used on both the second and third model safety automatic hammerless revolvers. however it was only used on the third model after 1904 (the year the bottom of the trigger guard serial number location was added). third model safety automatic hammerless revolver serial number D52358 was manufactured in 1912, there were 3,900 of this model manufactured that year. THIRD MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMERLESS REVOLVER (Smokeless Powder Cartridges)-------------1909-1941 LARGE FRAME AND SMALL FRAME VERSIONS USES HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION; Double top post barrel latch, with Hammer the Hammer action, nickel finish standard blue optional. Two frame sizes, four calibers, hard rubber grip panels with Owls head at top, two piece oversize hard rubber and one piece wood grips optional. Redesigned for smokeless powder. Standard barrel length: small frame 3 inches, large frame 3 ¼ inches; Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire with 7 rounds cylinder capacity, .32 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity, large frame .32 Special with 6 rounds cylinder capacity, .38 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Weight: small frame .22 rimfire with 3 inch barrel 13 ½ ounces, .32 centerfire with 3 inch barrel 14 ounces, large frame .32 Special with 3 ¼ inch barrel 19 ¼ ounces, .38 centerfire with 3 ¼ inch barrel 19 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 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 Third Model features a double top post barrel latch, coil hammer spring and four cross pins in the lower frame. VALUE: 100%=$260 60%=$125 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

02-17-2009, 07:18 PM	#3
Raging Bull Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2	Re: Iver Johnson top break Bill Thanks for all the information. It is greatly appreciated.