IVER JOHNSON SERIAL#1 ???

[gun-guy]

Hello-I have what I believe to be an "Iver and Johnson Automatic Safety Hammer" 7 shot .22lr top break double-action revolver...it has a 6" barrel, blade front fixed sights, 2 post latch and single wrap wooden grip. There are NO markings as to caliber, model or patent dates ANYWHERE that I can find, however it is stamped under the trigger guard, under the top strap and under the grip on the left grip frame with the number "1". The top of the barrel reads:
"IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS"
"FITCHBURG. MASS U.S.A."
As to condition the gun show normal use with some scratching and pitting still retaining about 70% of its bluing. The grip is fine shape with a few scratches (nothing through the finish) and no cracks or nicks. The revolver seems complete and functional in every way.
I know that the usual example of these arms are not of great value in and of themselves, but I would like to know: what model this is ?...when was it produced? ...what value does the serial number "1" add... and possibly what history it may have (many times low serial number guns were kept by owners or given as gifts). Thanks.

[hrf]

Welcome to the forum.

It appears to be an early Supershot model, 7-shot version made 1928-1931, but according to Bill Goforth's book they were marked "22 Supershot" on left side of barrel. The address format and lack of patent dates is correct for that model.

The Supershot was built on the large .38 size frame, but difficult to tell size from your photos. A serial number with no letter prefix should indicate a special order gun, but the 6 inch barrel and "Western Walnut" grip were standard for the Supershot. Strictly guessing, maybe it was a prototype prior to formal introduction of the Supershot model.

[gun-guy]

Thank you for your reply...this is a small frame...I should have put a ruler for scale in the photo.

[hrf]

Originally Posted by gun-guy

Thank you for your reply...this is a small frame...I should have put a ruler for scale in the photo.

Then it must be a third model small frame rimfire made 1910-1941, but they are supposed to have a patent date on end of butt frame. The six inch barrel and oversize target grip would have been special order features for this model, and since the one piece grip is held by a screw to end of butt frame, that probably explains lack of patent date marking. There's no way to exactly date those with special order serials, but if numbered in sequence it should be early.

[Ron Legros]

Originally Posted by gun-guy

Hello-I have what I believe to be an "Iver and Johnson Automatic Safety Hammer" 7 shot .22lr top break double-action revolver...it has a 6" barrel, blade front fixed sights, 2 post latch and single wrap wooden grip. There are NO markings as to caliber, model or patent dates ANYWHERE that I can find, however it is stamped under the trigger guard, under the top strap and under the grip on the left grip frame with the number "1". The top of the barrel reads:
"IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS"
"FITCHBURG. MASS U.S.A."
As to condition the gun show normal use with some scratching and pitting still retaining about 70% of its bluing. The grip is fine shape with a few scratches (nothing through the finish) and no cracks or nicks. The revolver seems complete and functional in every way.
I know that the usual example of these arms are not of great value in and of themselves, but I would like to know: what model this is ?...when was it produced? ...what value does the serial number "1" add... and possibly what history it may have (many times low serial number guns were kept by owners or given as gifts). Thanks.

This is a special order small frame 3rd Model. The special order features being the six inch barrel and the western walnut grips. I have one with the serial #7 that I asked Bill about years ago.

[gun-guy]

Thanks for the replies...you have been of great help. Does having a serial#1, mean that this was the first one made with those two additional features (both barrel length and western grip)? or does it mean the first gun of that model with any special order features? Also is the value enhanced because of the low serial?

[hrf]

Originally Posted by gun-guy

Thanks for the replies...you have been of great help. Does having a serial#1, mean that this was the first one made with those two additional features (both barrel length and western grip)? or does it mean the first gun of that model with any special order features? Also is the value enhanced because of the low serial?

Bill apparently never found any special order records, so no way to know.

Given that Ron's no. 7 is identical, maybe some retailer ordered several with those features, or the company made a few to test the market.

And digging deeper into the book, I see serial no. 13 is shown in the "Optional Accessories and Special Orders" chapter, identical to your gun, manufacture period listed as 1914-1941.

Low serial numbers do not always add value, and in this case the 1 is not a "regular" serial number that can be used to determine when made.

[gun-guy]

Thanks again...great info.
I think the same pistol, a #3 is listed on *********.

[45Auto]

I might add that most of the small frame Safety Hammer revolvers came in .32 caliber. Although the .22 Saftey Hammer is not rare it is a bit more desireable.