Welcome to TFF, really not much to decode. There are a couple guys that have the serial number dates and will be by soon I'm sure to help. I do know yours is a smokeless powder frame (3rd Model) and beyond that I'm at a loss. I sure wouldn't shoot that particular revolver until a good gunsmith was able to give it a look.

 

I don't know enough about them so maybe that's why I'm so confused on this one. The only reference I see to a "D" being used in a serial number refers to an early black powder frame hammer model in 1898 and 1899. Yours is a hammerless and a smokeless powder version. To add to my confusion is that I don't see the caliber stamped on the left side of the barrel (unless picture is too poor to show) which was the practice on the BP models and not the smokeless ones. (At least as far as I can determine.) The patent date on the butt strap looks to be '08 which is also within the smokeless era, as is the coil mainspring. Has me stumped but, it doesn't take much. A look at the stamps on the top of the barrel would be nice too.
Perhaps Shrek73 will come along shortly and shed some light on this. He's great with these revolvers.

 

That D prefix has bit me in the butt before, it was used in both the black powder era and smokeless era, that serial number dates to 1915.

 

RJay is correct it was made in 1915. It is a 3rd Model 2nd Variation Safety Hammerless Automatic, and chambered in .38 S&W. It is considered a smokeless frame.

 

Thank you guys for your help. There is no caliber stamping on it anywhere and the stamping on top of the barrel says * iver johnson's arms & cycle works*
*Fitchburg Mass usa*
and the asterisk are stars.

If it were in good shape what could it be worth? I know its probably worth nothing in its condition.

 

I think in good shape they're worth around $150-$200 in my neck of the woods.

 

Now that I'm home I can show you the two I have. By no means are they specimen but by my estimation I'd say they are in "good shape". The hammerless was made in 1911 and the one with the hammer is from 1921. I have shot both with decent results after which I started reloading for 38 S&W. There's just something in me that wants to be able to reload my own ammunition for all of my guns even if I shoot store bought ammo.

(I wish Shrek would share some pics of his treasures )

 

(I wish Shrek would share some pics of his treasures )

Here is a Iver Johnson pre-Eclipse .22 Short (One of the first guns produced by Iver Johnson) and a Defender 1889 chambered in .32RF. I have fired the Eclipse, but not the Defender.

Most of what I have was purchased as projects. I have quite a few .22's which are easy to shoot today. Now that I am reloading black powder, I will start looking for more 1st and 2nd Model Safety Automatics...

 

I am new here and hoping someone can help me with the pistol I have inherited. It's a .32 caliber, 5 shot Iver Johnson's pistol. Serial number found under the grip is P 14210 and 14210 is stamped on the underside of the trigger guard. It has a hammer. I will add pictures. If anyone can tell me manufacture date and any other information I would appreciate it.

 

Conan13,
An admin will be along shortly to say you need to start a new thread about your revolver.
Short version is yours was built in 1906 and was designed for use with black powder ammunition.

 

John hit the nail on the head - start a new thread. The pictures are great but you hijacked a three years old thread.