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Iver Johnson Top Break Identification

MouseGunGuy
Hi,

I have two questions regarding my two Iver Johnson top break pistols.
Approximate year manufactured and can they use modern rounds or are they restricted to "black powder only".

1. *Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works*
*Fitchburg, Mass USA*
6" barrel, 5 rounds in 38 S&W
17303 on bottom of trigger guard
H17303 on side butt.

2. *Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works*
*Fitchburg, Mass USA*
4" barrel, 6 rounds in 32 S&W
73422 on bottom of trigger guard
H73422 on side butt.

Thanks for any help,
Bob
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Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • b.goforth
    both of these should be third models, only the third model will have coil hammer springs.

    serial number H17303 manufactured in 1919 (13,300 manufactured that year)

    serial number H73422 manufactured in 1926 (3,900 manufactured that year)

    the 30th edition of the blue book has some new updated pricing for all iver johnson firearms.
    bill
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  • harley 1986
    Your assistance in the ID of an old Iver.. Its a 5 shot topbreak with a hammer. its Chrome plated.. most of it still on it.
    I believe its a 38 short!!! It was my grandfathers.. Its was fired over 20 years ago.. Will it handle new ammo??

    Based on bad eyes and a mag glass
    Top of Barrel:
    Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle works Fitchburg mass usa
    patpd Apr 6 86 Feb 15 87 May 10 87 Aug 25 86 patspnd

    under the left grip is G96686 with 864 under that.
    THe Owls faces the barrel, the grips are black plastic.
    there are no other markings any where on the gun..

    Any assistance is appreciated!!
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  • b.goforth
    this is a second model large frame 38 S&W caliber safety automatic revolver. serial number G 96686 was manufatured in 1899.

    SECOND MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMER REVOLVER
    (Black Powder Cartridges)
    1896-1908
    LARGE FRAME AND SMALL FRAME VERSIONS USES HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION: Double top post barrel latch, nickel finish standard, blue optional, hard rubber grip panels with Owls head at top. Hammer the Hammer action, two frame sizes, and three 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 .38 centerfire 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Weight: small frame with 3 inch barrel .22 rimfire 12 ounces, .32 centerfire 12 ? ounces, large frame with 3 ? inch barrel 17? ounces; Frame height: small frame 3 ? inches, large frame 3 7/8 inches; Frame length: small frame 4 3/26 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. Only difference between the first and second model is the barrel latch. Main serial number location on left side of grip frame grips must be removed to see. The Second Model features a double top post barrel latch, flat leaf hammer spring and two cross pins in the lower frame.
    VALUE: 100%=$275 60%=$135
    For revolvers equipped with Bourne Knuckleduster add 100%

    it will not handle many more smokeless powder loads and stay in good shootable condition.
    bill
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  • harley 1986
    Thank you very much,,, Not going to look for any 38 shorts .. but this adds more info to a great family story were granddad got the gun and what he used it for... again thanks..
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