Age/model of American Bulldog .32 centerfire

[Raybud]

Trying to find some basic information about this gun. Only writing on it is along the top of the octagonal 2" barrel, "American Bulldog." I think it was probably Iver Johnson, has the original hard rubber grips with bulldog in the center and is chrome or nickle plated. It's not in working condition, trying to get enough information to decide whether to try to sell the whole gun or just the grips. If what I am correctly interpreting what I have read so far it was made prior to 1900, but I'd like to get closer than that and find out if there was a model number. No photo, but can probably arrange one if need be

 

[Jim K]

Pictures would help. It sounds like an AMERICAN BULL DOG, Second Model, made by Iver Johnson 1887-1899, so the later ones will not be antiques under Federal law. There was no model number. They were serial numbered, but the number may have started over each year, so it can't be used for dating an individual gun. (I can't imagine anyone wasting time trying to prove or disprove the antique status of such a gun, but I suppose the question might arise somehow.)

Even with some increased collector interest in Iver Johnson, those guns still are of only minimal value; a non-functioning one will run $50-$100, maybe. I doubt any gun shop will take it in trade (they couldn't warrant it to a buyer) and the cost of repair would exceed the value of the gun. I don't know what the chances are of either selling it whole or selling the grips, but with little interest, I would think neither option would produce much in the way of money. Old, alas, does not always mean valuable. I am old and .... well, I won't go there.

Jim