Iver Johnson question
Hello,
New to the forums. I was given a Iver Johnson Revolver from a family member and to be honest I don't know very much about firearms. I have been trying to research this gun to find out what kind of ammunition to shoot with it and to find out some other general info. I came across a lot of posts by a Mr. Bill Goforth who seemed to be extrememly knowledgable about these types of firearms. I joined the forum to get in touch with him and was saddened to learn that he recently passed away. I was wondering if there is anyone else on the forum who could provide me with some basic information?
Here is what I can find on the firearm:
Top of Barrel - Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Work
-Fitchburg, Mass, U.S.A.-
Nothing on either side of the barrel
Bottom of Trigger Guard - 40459 (trigger guard is slightly different color and the number does not match the number underneath the plastic grip)
Bottom of Grip - A little worn but here's what I can make out,
?T June 16.96 Aug 25.9?
?PT.16.04. Pats Pending
Grip - Black plastic, owl is facing towards the barrel and not straight up and down. Numbers underneath the plastic grip are:
S25989 Then there are 4 other numbers stamped after the serial number - 20 40
Other Info - It is a 5 shot chamber with an exposed hammer. Seems to be in pretty good shape, some of the silvery finish is pealing off a little bit and you can tell it's been fired a few times.
So my questions are:
What type of firearm is this?
What year was it manufactured?
What type of ammo would be safe to fire from it?
Anything else I should know about it?
Thanks in advance, as I said I'm not very familiar with firearms and this was a gift so I just figured I should find out everything I can before cleaning it up and attempting to fire it. Have a great weekend!
New to the forums. I was given a Iver Johnson Revolver from a family member and to be honest I don't know very much about firearms. I have been trying to research this gun to find out what kind of ammunition to shoot with it and to find out some other general info. I came across a lot of posts by a Mr. Bill Goforth who seemed to be extrememly knowledgable about these types of firearms. I joined the forum to get in touch with him and was saddened to learn that he recently passed away. I was wondering if there is anyone else on the forum who could provide me with some basic information?
Here is what I can find on the firearm:
Top of Barrel - Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Work
-Fitchburg, Mass, U.S.A.-
Nothing on either side of the barrel
Bottom of Trigger Guard - 40459 (trigger guard is slightly different color and the number does not match the number underneath the plastic grip)
Bottom of Grip - A little worn but here's what I can make out,
?T June 16.96 Aug 25.9?
?PT.16.04. Pats Pending
Grip - Black plastic, owl is facing towards the barrel and not straight up and down. Numbers underneath the plastic grip are:
S25989 Then there are 4 other numbers stamped after the serial number - 20 40
Other Info - It is a 5 shot chamber with an exposed hammer. Seems to be in pretty good shape, some of the silvery finish is pealing off a little bit and you can tell it's been fired a few times.
So my questions are:
What type of firearm is this?
What year was it manufactured?
What type of ammo would be safe to fire from it?
Anything else I should know about it?
Thanks in advance, as I said I'm not very familiar with firearms and this was a gift so I just figured I should find out everything I can before cleaning it up and attempting to fire it. Have a great weekend!
0
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Just became the proud owner of an Iver Johnson .22 Supershot Sealed Eight. The serial number is 1770. Wondering when it was made. Where is the Iver Johnson man when you need him. 0 -
Bill Goforth has his own web site, contact him their if your in a hurry.
http://www.geocities.com/iverjohnsoncollector/0 -
Can't get his website to work. Guess I'll just have to wait around here for help. Thanks. 0 -
the iver johnson's arms & cycle works 22 supershot sealed eight was manufactured between 1932 and 1954. the main serial number location is on the left side of the grip frame under the grips. this is where the letter code prefix will be found. there were two letter codes use on this model during its production "L" and "A". most of those produced used the "L" as "A" was only used for a few years toward the end of production. serial number L1770 was manufactured in 1932. serial number A1770 was manufactured in 1955 (this would also have the model 844 marking so most likely this one is not of this year)
22 SUPERSHOT SEALED EIGHT FIRST MODEL (LARGE FRAME)
1932-1941
Features HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION. This revolver also features a cylinder with recessed chambers that fully enclose the cartridge case head. Large frame top break marked on left side of barrel "22 SUPERSHOT SEALED EIGHT". Finish: blue only; Barrel length 6 inches: Oversize checkered wood grips; Caliber .22 rimfire with 8 rounds cylinder capacity; Weight 24 ounces. Height with out grips 3 7/8 inches; Frame length 5 inches; Overall length 10 _ inches. The 1938 catalog gives this model as well as others Model numbers: Model 88 fixed sights, Model 833 adjustable rear sight, Model 834 adjustable rear sight and adjustable finger rest. . Main serial number location on left side of grip frame grips must be removed to see. First Models will have serial numbers below L26601
VALUE: 100%=$275 60%=$150
22 SUPERSHOT SEALED EIGHT SECOND MODEL (LARGE FRAME)
1947-1954
Featured the HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION and the recessed cylinder of the first model. The 22 SUPERSHOT SEALED EIGHT was brought back after WW II almost intact. The grip frame was altered to give it more weight. The model numbers were not changed. The barrel shape was changed and a new 4 ? length added late in its production life. The new barrel shape added even more weight. Caliber: 22 rimfire with 8 rounds cylinder capacity; Weight: 28 ounces; Frame height with out grips 3 7/8 inches; Frame length 5 inches; overall length 10 _ inches. The specifications that changed after the new barrel length and shape are; Weight 6 inch barrel 28 _ ounces 4? inch barrel 26 _ ounces; Overall length 4? inch barrel 9 ? inches. The new barrel shape is the same as used on the later Third Model. Main serial number location on left side of grip frame grips must be removed to see. Second Models will have serial numbers above L26600
VALUE: 100%=$275 60%=$150
22 SUPERSHOT THIRD MODEL (AKA MODEL 844)
1955-1957
Features the HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION. Known as the Model 844 the third model 22 Supershot is the last of a line of top break revolvers that can trace it ancestry to 1894 when the Safety Automatic revolver First Model was introduced. The only difference that can be seen between the third model and late production second models is the cylinder, which is unfluted on the third model. Only offered with a blue finish and large oversized checkered wood grips. The barrel is flat sided round, round on the bottom with a full length rib. Caliber 22 rimfire with 8 rounds cylinder capacity; Cylinder has recessed chambers and flash control front rim; Barrel length: 4 ? inches and 6 inches; Sights are fully adjustable; Weight: with 4 ? inch barrel 24 ounces with 6 inch barrel 27 ounces; Frame height 3 7/8 inches; Frame length 5 inches; overall length: with 4 ? inch barrel 9 ? inches, with 6 inch barrel 10 _ inches. Main serial number location on left side of grip frame grips must be removed to see. This model will be marked MODEL 844.
VALUE: 100%=$300 60%=$175
bill0 -
Thanks, Bill. The serial # was right where you said it would be. It is L1770. The pistol has a couple of issues, but my gunsmith will straighten them out.
John0
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