If the picture is attached properly, I would like any information regarding the two pistols shown. The lower pistol will take a SW 38 bullet but I don't know the actual caliber. The only marking except for Iver Johnson Arms on the barrel is the number 7801 on the trigger guard. The upper pistol is a smaller caliber, maybe a 25 cal, with same barrel marking and the number 68528 on the trigger guard. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you.
Iver Johnson Arms
- Thread starter sonofagun
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The Iver Johnson break top revolvers where called Safety Automatics and were made from 1894-1941. The term refers to the transfer bar safety system and the automatic ejection of cartridges upon breaking open the revolvers. There were versions with external hammers and versions with internal hammers. They were very popular and low priced compared to Colt and S&W. You have to determine if you have a First or Second model which were designed for blackpowder or the Third model which was able to handle smokeless powder.
Probably the second revolver is in .32 S&W caliber.
The full IJ serial number may have a letter prefix, e.g., B12345. The full number is on the left side of the frame under the grip; the open serial number lacks the prefix. If you can provide the full serial, the date of manufacture can be determined.
In general, IJ made so many revolvers, and they were a second-tier maker, that the guns, even in excellent shape, are not especially valuable or collectible, though that is changing. Most will bring under $150 at retail and some dealers will not take them in trade because they cannot sell them with a warranty due to lack of repair parts.
Jim
The full IJ serial number may have a letter prefix, e.g., B12345. The full number is on the left side of the frame under the grip; the open serial number lacks the prefix. If you can provide the full serial, the date of manufacture can be determined.
In general, IJ made so many revolvers, and they were a second-tier maker, that the guns, even in excellent shape, are not especially valuable or collectible, though that is changing. Most will bring under $150 at retail and some dealers will not take them in trade because they cannot sell them with a warranty due to lack of repair parts.
Jim
Kaeto
Member
If those are the original grips the upper one with the bobbed hammer is a BP only model, and the Hammerless one on the bottom is a Smokeless powder one.
Kaeto
Member
I have a Harrington & Richardson Safety Hammerless Top Break in .38 S&W I'm trying to replace the trigger return spring on.
Thanks for the replies. On further review and a magnifying glass, on the butt of the smaller pistol (possibly 32 cal.) there are letters and dates: I think they read-
AT June 1896 Aug 28938 and underneath that it reads Pats Pending
It's all really scratched up. I don't understand the two dates. The months are the most clear to read.
AT June 1896 Aug 28938 and underneath that it reads Pats Pending
It's all really scratched up. I don't understand the two dates. The months are the most clear to read.
This article has some info to help determine which model you have. I believe you have to take the grips off to see the letter in front of the serial number which should help you figure out the year of manufacture.
http://beforeitsnews.com/alternativ...evolvers-glorious-contradictions-2625590.html
http://beforeitsnews.com/alternativ...evolvers-glorious-contradictions-2625590.html
Thank you MAKster
Fantastic article. My dad never mentioned these pistols or why he used a Spanish 38 Spl as his police, revolver either. Thanks to people like you on this venue, I am getting some background on these old weapons. It makes them more personable. Thank you very much!
Fantastic article. My dad never mentioned these pistols or why he used a Spanish 38 Spl as his police, revolver either. Thanks to people like you on this venue, I am getting some background on these old weapons. It makes them more personable. Thank you very much!
[email protected]
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Is there a book on Iver Johnson's revolvers and does anyone know if they ever made riffles or shot guns?
rodeo salvage
Driftwood Johnson
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Howdy
The lower gun in your photo looks like this one of mine. The caliber is 38 S&W. Not 38 Special.
In the early 1900s IJ redesigned their revolvers to be safe to fire Smokeless ammunition. Notice the position of the little owl on the grips. He is looking away from the gun. That is how you tell a Smokeless Iver Johnson from a Black Powder one. If you take the grips off you will see the main spring (hammer spring) is a coil spring.
The gun at the top of the photo is a Black Powder Iver Johnson. Not designed for Smokeless Powder. The owl is facing forward, and if you remove the grips, the main spring will be a leaf spring.
Here is a link to a history of the Iver Johnson company, and yes they made rifles and shotguns too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iver_Johnson
The lower gun in your photo looks like this one of mine. The caliber is 38 S&W. Not 38 Special.
In the early 1900s IJ redesigned their revolvers to be safe to fire Smokeless ammunition. Notice the position of the little owl on the grips. He is looking away from the gun. That is how you tell a Smokeless Iver Johnson from a Black Powder one. If you take the grips off you will see the main spring (hammer spring) is a coil spring.
The gun at the top of the photo is a Black Powder Iver Johnson. Not designed for Smokeless Powder. The owl is facing forward, and if you remove the grips, the main spring will be a leaf spring.
Here is a link to a history of the Iver Johnson company, and yes they made rifles and shotguns too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iver_Johnson
.455_Hunter
Member
The other key feature of a third model, and the one that I use the most, is that the cylinder have positive stop grooves, and will not free wheel at rest, unlike the first and second (most common) models. See above pictures.
Radagast
Member
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The late Bill Goforth was the expert. He published one book.
http://www.amazon.com/Iver-Johnson-...3GY_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423139836&sr=1-1
The late Bill Goforth was the expert. He published one book.
http://www.amazon.com/Iver-Johnson-...3GY_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423139836&sr=1-1
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