Iver Johnson 32 revolver
working on a 32cal IJ safty hammer revolver. Unable to find a main spring for the 32cal, I found a main spring for a this same revolver in 38cal. The spring has been shipped but has not arrived. My thinking is it may be slightly longer and/or wider and I can dress it to fit. Fingers crossed!
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My father-in-law has an Iver Johnson 32 revolver.
It appears to be a Pre WWII Top Break Model.
The company name and address are on the left side of the barrel.
The serial number (17286) is on the bottom of trigger guard.
The patent date (Nov 17, 08) is located on the bottom of the butt.
Anyone have insight into this revolver and how much it would be worth? It still functions, has scrapes and mares but no rust or corrosion.0 -
Most likely the Safety Model (variations came with or without a hammer). I-J made millions of these pistols during a 60 year production run and you'll find them in shoe boxes, attics and garages all over America and a large part of the world (I've even come across a few in Bulgaria). In average shape they bring $50-$75. 0 -
the one patent date on the bottom of the grip strap 11-17-08 was the last patent date used for the safety automatic revolver between 1914 thru when they stopped marking patent dates. this is a third model most likely a small frame 32 S&W caliber with a 2 inch barrel (company name on left side of barrel). the third model was made in both hammer and hammerless versions. these short barrel models will usually bring about 10% more than the standard barrel length.
the main serial number location is on the left side of the grip frame, this is the location of any letter code and the letter code is what i need in order to properly identify the year of manufacture.
THIRD MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMER REVOLVER
(Smokeless Powder Cartridges)
1909-1941
LARGE FRAME AND SMALL FRAME VERSIONS USES HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION: Double top post barrel latch with Hammer the Hammer action. This model redesigned to be strong enough for smokeless powder. All coil springs, hard rubber grip panels with Owls head at top, optional oversize grips of hard rubber or wood were offered. Two frame sizes, four calibers, Standard barrel length: small frame 3 inches, large frame 3 ? inches. Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire 7 rounds cylinder capacity, .32 centerfire 5 rounds cylinder capacity, large frame .32 Special centerfire with 6 rounds cylinder capacity, .38 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Weight: small frame .22 rimfire with 3 inch barrel 13 ounces, .32 centerfire with 3 inch barrel 13 ? ounces, large frame with 3 ? inch barrel .32 Special 19 ounces, .38 centerfire with 3 ? inch barrel 18 ? inches; Height: small frame 3 _ inches, large frame 3 7/8 inches; Frame length: small frame 4 3/16 inches, large frame 5 inches; Overall length: small frame with 3 inch barrel 6 3/8 inches, large frame with 3 ? inch barrel 7 3/8 inches. Main serial number location on left side of grip frame grips must be removed to see. The Third Model features a double top post barrel latch, coil hammer spring and four cross pins in the lower frame.
VALUE: 100%=$250 60%=$115
THIRD MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMERLESS REVOLVER
(Smokeless Powder Cartridges)
1909-1941
LARGE FRAME AND SMALL FRAME VERSIONS USES HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION; Double top post barrel latch, with Hammer the Hammer action, nickel finish standard blue optional. Two frame sizes, four calibers, hard rubber grip panels with Owls head at top, two piece oversize hard rubber and one piece wood grips optional. Redesigned for smokeless powder. Standard barrel length: small frame 3 inches, large frame 3 ? inches; Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire with 7 rounds cylinder capacity, .32 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity, large frame .32 Special with 6 rounds cylinder capacity, .38 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Weight: small frame .22 rimfire with 3 inch barrel 13 ? ounces, .32 centerfire with 3 inch barrel 14 ounces, large frame .32 Special with 3 ? inch barrel 19 ? ounces, .38 centerfire with 3 ? inch barrel 19 ounces; Height: small frame 3 _ inches, large frame 3 7/8 inches; Frame length: small frame 4 3/16 inches, large frame 5 inches; Overall length: small frame with 3 inch barrel 6 3/8 inches, large frame with 3 ? inch barrel 7 3/8 inches. Main serial number location on left side of grip frame grips must be removed to see. The Third Model features a double top post barrel latch, coil hammer spring and four cross pins in the lower frame.
VALUE: 100%=$260 60%=$125
while not expensive these short barrel revolvers do make a compact carry gun. as small as some 25 acp and chamber five 32 S&W cartridge.
bill0 -
Appreciate the input. I just took the grip off and there is a "G" in front of the serial number (17286). It is a two inch barrel with external hammer. I looked at some pictures on GunBroker and this revolver is in much better shape than any I have seen there. It has the original finish in tact and only has a few scratches on. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Friar
It still functions, has scrapes and mares but no rust or corrosion.
quote:Originally posted by Friar
It has the original finish in tact and only has a few scratches on.
Looks like the over all condition suddenly improved from scrapes and mares to just a few scratches within the span of an hour or two. I wish that my used guns could do the same thing!0 -
serial number G 17286 is a small frame 32 S&W caliber third model safety automatic hammer revolver manufactured in 1916, there were 4,900 of this model made that year.
bill0 -
Thanks Bill. Really appreciate the help. My father-in-law will be pleased to have more details. Neither of us are very knowledgeable when it comes to old firearms. Happy new year! 0
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