InheritedRevolver
Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2018
- Messages
- 2
I've just inherited the revolver in the attached pictures. It's an Iver Johnson .38 5 shot safety automatic revolver. I don't know how to tell the difference between "small frame" or "large frame." The top of the barrel says "Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works Fitchburg Mass. U.S.A." The patent information on the bottom of the grip is pretty much illegible, as it's worn down too far. I can see a "P" on the top line and the word "Patent on the second line. I was able to carefully remove the left grip, revealing a SN of "H771XX." The numerals match the SN printed on the trigger guard.
I haven't been able to find anything reliable about the "H" serial number prefix, and I'm wondering about the date of manufacture. Right now, based on a lot of digging around the internet, I believe that this is likely a third model manufactured sometime in the 20s to the 40s which can be used with smokeless powder, but I'd appreciate if anyone can give me better information.
It won't be fired until I can have a qualified gunsmith look it over carefully. Thanks in advance!
I haven't been able to find anything reliable about the "H" serial number prefix, and I'm wondering about the date of manufacture. Right now, based on a lot of digging around the internet, I believe that this is likely a third model manufactured sometime in the 20s to the 40s which can be used with smokeless powder, but I'd appreciate if anyone can give me better information.
It won't be fired until I can have a qualified gunsmith look it over carefully. Thanks in advance!