[b.goforth]

this is a target sealed 8 second model manufactured about 1952. see more information below. as noted below this revolver doen't have the iver johnson "hammer the hammer" action so it should not be carried with a full 8 rounds in the cylinder. this revolver depends on a safety notch on the hammer to keep the hammer/firing pin out of contact with the cartridgesand this is not automatic. the hammer must manully be pulled back slightly to engage this safety notch. so it is best when carring this revolver a field to have the hammer/firing pin resting on an empty chamber.

I.J. TARGET SEALED 8 FIRST MODEL
(LARGE FRAME OCTAGON BARREL) ---------------------1932-1941
This revolver is the first major improvement of the solid frame double action model since its introduction in 1900. Large solid frame double action with pull in cylinder release; the cylinder features recessed chambers that fully enclosed the cartridge case head. Grips are one piece checkered wood. Caliber: 22 rimfire with 8 rounds cylinder capacity; Barrel shape is octagon; barrel lengths of 6 inches and 10 inches; Weight: 6 inch barrel 24 ounces, 10 inch barrel 27 ounces; Height with out grips 3 7/8 inches; Frame length 4 7/8 inches; Overall length: 6 inch barrel 10 ¾ inches, 10 inch barrel 14 ¾ inches. The 1938 catalog gives this revolver a model number: 6 inch barrel Model 68, 10 inch barrel Model 78. DOES NOT HAVE HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION.
VALUE: 100%=$250 60%=$125

I.J. TARGET SEALED 8 SECOND MODEL
(LARGE FRAME ROUND BARREL)--------------------------1947-1954
The TARGET SEALED 8 was also reintroduced after WW II with only minor modifications. The barrel shape is round and a new 4¼ inch length added. Does not have the “Hammer the Hammer” action, but does have the recessed chambers in the cylinder. Blue finish only with oversize checkered grips of wood or plastic, pull pin cylinder released. Caliber, 22 rimfire with 8 rounds cylinder capacity; Barrel lengths: 4 ½ and 6 inches; Weight; 4 ½ inch barrel 22 ½ ounces, 6 inch barrel 24 ounces; Height without grips 3 7/8 inches: Frame length 4 7/8 inches; Overall length: 4 ½ inch barrel 9 ¼ inches, 6 inch barrel 10 ¾ inches. Model number continued to be 68.
DOES NOT HAVE HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION
VALUE: 100$=$240 60%=$120

I.J. SEALED 8 SNUB MODEL 68S (LARGE FRAME ROUND BARREL)----1952-1954
Large solid frame with pull pin cylinder release, blue finish only, does not have Hammer the Hammer action. Grips are small pocket size, two piece wood. Caliber .22 rimfire with 8 rounds cylinder capacity, cylinder has recessed chambers; Barrel length 2 ½ inches; Weight 20 ½ ounces; Height 3 7/8 inches; Frame length 4 7/8 inches; Overall all length 6 ¾ Inches.
DOES NOT HAVE HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION
VALUES: 100%=$265 60%=$135

bill

 

[b.goforth]

i can only guess as to what might have happened. wrong trigger guard assembled on wrong frame and it was best to restamp the frame (that did not show on casual inspection), than restamp trigger guard which did show. may be a new type of monday morning built gun.
bill

 

[b.goforth]

not knowing for sure how they assembled these revolvers in the 1950's i would say it was assembled after it was numbered and before it was blued, when it was disassembled to be blued it was discovered it had the wrong trigger guard. there is more room to remark on the grip frame that on the trigger guard. or the person making the serial number markings picked up the wrong stamps and marked the frame wrong and in order to keep from duplicating the number simply remarked it. it is a puzzle that may never be solved.

i know that today most manufacturer assemble firearms after bluing from a large supply of parts on hand. therefore care is taken to keep the numbered parts together.

bill