Iver & Johnson Revolver - The Firearms Forum

Lasersighted · 09-29-2009, 07:30 AM

I have an old Iver and Johnson top break revolver. Its a .32 five-round revolver with an external hammer and an automatic casing ejector that operates when you break open the revolver. The cylinder generally locks (sometimes it will not until the hammer is half cocked).

On the top of the barrel is "Iver & Johnson Arms & Cycle Works" with "Fittsburgh, Mass, USA" below it. The barrel is around 4" long. On the butt of the handle is "June 16 96 Aug 25 95?" with 16.04 Pat. Pending below that. There are two serial numbers. One on the bottom of the trigger guard (25315) and another on the left side of the grip strap covered by the grips (A25315).

I believe that the revolver is a Model III and doesn't have much value, but I would like more information as it has a great deal of sentimental value.

Zane71464 · 09-29-2009, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lasersighted

I have an old Iver and Johnson top break revolver. Its a .32 five-round revolver with an external hammer and an automatic casing ejector that operates when you break open the revolver. The cylinder generally locks (sometimes it will not until the hammer is half cocked).

On the top of the barrel is "Iver & Johnson Arms & Cycle Works" with "Fittsburgh, Mass, USA" below it. The barrel is around 4" long. On the butt of the handle is "June 16 96 Aug 25 95?" with 16.04 Pat. Pending below that. There are two serial numbers. One on the bottom of the trigger guard (25315) and another on the left side of the grip strap covered by the grips (A25315).

I believe that the revolver is a Model III and doesn't have much value, but I would like more information as it has a great deal of sentimental value.

Morning Lasersighted, I'm sure Mr. goforth can fix you up on all info on your gun when he reads the post...he is the man when it comes to Iver Johnson Arms...walking book of knowledge when it comes to this particular issue, not that he isnt on others, just very well up to date on this particular category.
Zane

b.goforth · 09-29-2009, 11:55 AM

this is an early third model small frame 32 S&W caliber safety automatic hammer revolver. serial number A25315 was manufactured in 1910, there were 24,500 of this model manufactured that year.

THIRD MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMER 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. This model redesigned to be strong enough for smokeless powder. All coil springs, hard rubber grip panels with Owls head at top, optional oversize grips of hard rubber or wood were offered. Two frame sizes, four calibers, Standard barrel length: small frame 3 inches, large frame 3 ¼ inches. Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire 7 rounds cylinder capacity, .32 centerfire 5 rounds cylinder capacity, large frame .32 Special centerfire with 6 rounds cylinder capacity, .38 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Weight: small frame .22 rimfire with 3 inch barrel 13 ounces, .32 centerfire with 3 inch barrel 13 ½ ounces, large frame with 3 ¼ inch barrel .32 Special 19 ounces, .38 centerfire with 3 ¼ inch barrel 18 ¼ inches; 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%=$250 60%=$115

bill

Lasersighted · 09-30-2009, 07:39 AM

b.goforth,
Thanks very much. You solved a bit of a mystery in my family tree with your information.

johnlee1933 · 10-18-2009, 10:41 AM

I read Mr. Goforth's comments with interest. Thanks. I have a .38 with a 3 1/4" barrel I/J. As stated it weighs 18 1/4 Oz . The serial # is 10494

Can anyone give me an idea of the manufacture date?

b.goforth · 10-18-2009, 10:51 AM

just not enough information, please give me the serial number found on the left side of the grip frame under the grips and the markings and where they are found.

bill

johnlee1933 · 10-18-2009, 11:31 AM

All that is stamped on the left side of the grip post is

H 10494

On the right side about 1/4" to the left of the grip locator pin is a " 1 "
On the right side about 1/8" below and to the left of the locator pin is a " 7 "

That's all I can find. Any place else I should look?

Thanks again

jOHn

b.goforth · 10-19-2009, 02:13 PM

john,
it appears you have a large frame safety automatic hammer revolver third model. serial number H 10494 was made in 1918. there were 11,400 made that year. value has been quoted above.
bill

johnlee1933 · 10-19-2009, 02:28 PM

Thanks Bill. Much appreciated jOHn

fun2luvlv · 07-27-2012, 02:11 PM

I have a pearl handle chrome plated (shiny silver) 5 shot top break revolver that was my great great grandfathers. It has a serial number of 4485 on the handle.

on the barrel it says:
Iver Johnson arms and cycle works, Fitchburg, Mass.U.S.A.
PATD APR6 86 FEB15 87 DEC 25 93 PATS PENDING.

I've been looking through the forums but can't seem to positively identify this revolver. Can anyone help me.

Thanks

hrf · 07-27-2012, 03:21 PM

Welcome to the forum.

The patent dates indicate you probably have an antique second model made ca. 1894-96, but there should also be patent date MAY 10 87. Remove the grips and look for the serial number on left grip frame, which may have a letter prefix. Also, what caliber, and is it a hammer or hammerless type?

09-29-2009, 07:30 AM	#1
Lasersighted Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2	Iver & Johnson Revolver I have an old Iver and Johnson top break revolver. Its a .32 five-round revolver with an external hammer and an automatic casing ejector that operates when you break open the revolver. The cylinder generally locks (sometimes it will not until the hammer is half cocked). On the top of the barrel is "Iver & Johnson Arms & Cycle Works" with "Fittsburgh, Mass, USA" below it. The barrel is around 4" long. On the butt of the handle is "June 16 96 Aug 25 95?" with 16.04 Pat. Pending below that. There are two serial numbers. One on the bottom of the trigger guard (25315) and another on the left side of the grip strap covered by the grips (A25315). I believe that the revolver is a Model III and doesn't have much value, but I would like more information as it has a great deal of sentimental value. -->

09-29-2009, 11:55 AM	#3
b.goforth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 3,174	Re: Iver & Johnson Revolver this is an early third model small frame 32 S&W caliber safety automatic hammer revolver. serial number A25315 was manufactured in 1910, there were 24,500 of this model manufactured that year. THIRD MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMER 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. This model redesigned to be strong enough for smokeless powder. All coil springs, hard rubber grip panels with Owls head at top, optional oversize grips of hard rubber or wood were offered. Two frame sizes, four calibers, Standard barrel length: small frame 3 inches, large frame 3 ¼ inches. Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire 7 rounds cylinder capacity, .32 centerfire 5 rounds cylinder capacity, large frame .32 Special centerfire with 6 rounds cylinder capacity, .38 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Weight: small frame .22 rimfire with 3 inch barrel 13 ounces, .32 centerfire with 3 inch barrel 13 ½ ounces, large frame with 3 ¼ inch barrel .32 Special 19 ounces, .38 centerfire with 3 ¼ inch barrel 18 ¼ inches; 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%=$250 60%=$115 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

09-30-2009, 07:39 AM	#4
Lasersighted Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2	Re: Iver & Johnson Revolver b.goforth, Thanks very much. You solved a bit of a mystery in my family tree with your information.

10-18-2009, 10:41 AM	#5
johnlee1933 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Re: Iver & Johnson Revolver I read Mr. Goforth's comments with interest. Thanks. I have a .38 with a 3 1/4" barrel I/J. As stated it weighs 18 1/4 Oz . The serial # is 10494 Can anyone give me an idea of the manufacture date?

10-18-2009, 10:51 AM	#6
b.goforth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 3,174	Re: Iver & Johnson Revolver just not enough information, please give me the serial number found on the left side of the grip frame under the grips and the markings and where they are found. 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

10-18-2009, 11:31 AM	#7
johnlee1933 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Re: Iver & Johnson Revolver All that is stamped on the left side of the grip post is H 10494 On the right side about 1/4" to the left of the grip locator pin is a " 1 " On the right side about 1/8" below and to the left of the locator pin is a " 7 " That's all I can find. Any place else I should look? Thanks again jOHn

10-19-2009, 02:13 PM	#8
b.goforth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 3,174	Re: Iver & Johnson Revolver john, it appears you have a large frame safety automatic hammer revolver third model. serial number H 10494 was made in 1918. there were 11,400 made that year. value has been quoted above. 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

10-19-2009, 02:28 PM	#9
johnlee1933 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Re: Iver & Johnson Revolver Thanks Bill. Much appreciated jOHn

07-27-2012, 02:11 PM	#10
fun2luvlv Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 1	Re: Iver & Johnson Revolver I have a pearl handle chrome plated (shiny silver) 5 shot top break revolver that was my great great grandfathers. It has a serial number of 4485 on the handle. on the barrel it says: Iver Johnson arms and cycle works, Fitchburg, Mass.U.S.A. PATD APR6 86 FEB15 87 DEC 25 93 PATS PENDING. I've been looking through the forums but can't seem to positively identify this revolver. Can anyone help me. Thanks

07-27-2012, 03:21 PM	#11
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,277	Re: Iver & Johnson Revolver Welcome to the forum. The patent dates indicate you probably have an antique second model made ca. 1894-96, but there should also be patent date MAY 10 87. Remove the grips and look for the serial number on left grip frame, which may have a letter prefix. Also, what caliber, and is it a hammer or hammerless type?