Iver Johnson .32 long- Late 40s/early 50s?

[mec]

A couple of things. Hoping somebody can date it and tell me if the front sight is pinned. I can't tell by looking but it is a bit loose
The Serial Number is 78828 and the address line is
Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works (star)
(star) Fitzburg MASS U.S.A (Star)
No other markings.
thanx

 

[Dr.Rob]

That's a 3rd model 'safety automatic', (“Safety Automatic” refers to the transfer bar safety system)while they were cataloged til 1948, actual production ceased in 1941. Production started in 1909 and they are rated for smokeless powder.

The best indication of 3rd model is the cylinder should NOT spin at rest, four cross pins in the lower frame and there should be coil, rather than flat springs under the grip.

 

[mec]

Identical number inside the frame with the prefix that looks like either an upper case -topless A or a H. depending on angle. The transfer bar is there. Coil springs, of course with the "steps" that allow tension adjustment
It is pretty much the same as everything made after 1909 and the cylinder is locked at rest- just like my third safety hammerless. .38 The cylinder has the expected degree of play at rest and is locked by the advancing hand with the trigger pulled. The "target" grips may be optional or maybe just a later development though the frame looks like it would be shaped right for owl heads. I suspect that it was shot very little and probably not at all with chlorate primers.

 

[Dr.Rob]

The grips are 'special order' western walnut. I am still looking to lock down the date. I think H prefix means 1934.

 

[mec]

1934...
Wouldn't that be neat? I have a reprint 1940 shooters bible that has pictures of this revolver with the Western Grips. All three calibers for $!6 plus change. BC gap will admit a .008 part way but not a .009 This could be worse as my hamerless safety is tight but has a gap you could throw a dead cat through.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Like I said it's possible it didn't sell til later. It's in GREAT shape. IJ made some very good guns in the postwar era and the 30's vintage stuff in blued steel fared a LOT better than their nickel guns.

I can't tell is it a five or six shot?

 

[Old Fuff]

Yes, the front sight is pined. But it was polished to match the barrel rib. You may need a magnifying glass to see it.

If it's chambered to use .32 S&W Long cartridges it will be 6-shot, made on the larger .38 frame (which was a 5-shot if so chambered).

 

[mec]

Right.
If you look close you can see some rust rash- no deep pits though and you can see the bright blue.

 

[jisboro]

Iver Johnson Top Break Hammerless

I have recently come into possession of this IV hammerless 5 shot revolver, in my research I came across this thread, I'm looking to find out if I can shoot modern ammo or if I need BP rounds, the hammer spring is coiled and the SN is I 34129. Would like to verify my findings any help is appreciated thanks in advance

 

[Old Fuff]

The "I" letter code was introduced in 1919, and discontinued in 1936 or '37. If your revolver is in sound condition, and not out of time it should be safe to fire with current day .32 S&W cartridges. Do not however substitute .32 ACP pistol ammunition in place of what it's chambered to use.

 

[Ron James]

jisboro your gun was made in 1929 and as posted is a smokeless frame safe with modern ammo. mec, If those grips were special order from the factory the date can not be determined from the serial number, , Iver Johnson's custom shop did not follow the regular serial number sequence, they did their own thing with apparently with no rhyme or reason. There is no existing records of custom shop numbers. Have to go by style and patent marking.

 

[mec]

The "western" grips appear on the revolver in the Shooters Bible of 1940.-a regular commercial item.