Iver Johnson Relvolver Question
I have an Iver Johnson .32 (I think) caliber revolver that was handed down from my grandfather about 30 years ago. I have never fired it, but recently joined a gun club and would like to try it out if it is safe to do so. On the barrel top it is inscribed VER JOHNSONS ARMS & CYCLE WORKS, FITCHBURG MASS USA (there is no I in Iver). The serial number on the bottom of the trigger guard is (as best as I can make out) 92316. On the bottom of the butt is stamped PAT JUNE 16 96 AUG ?? ?? (I can't make out the last digits). The barrel is 3 inches from the cylinder. Other than some stains on the metal, it seems to be in good condition physically. I tried to include some photos for reference, but was unable to figure out how to do this.
What I would like to know is: (1) Is it safe to use modern ammo? (2) If so, what kind? (3) Does it have much value?
What I would like to know is: (1) Is it safe to use modern ammo? (2) If so, what kind? (3) Does it have much value?
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WCGH,
Here is how to post photographs:
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=259294
Is this a top-break gun? If so, then if there is NO caliber marking on the barrel, then it is probably a black powder-only gun. If your cylinder holds 6 rounds, then it is probably a .32 S&W revolver. These are just guesses. B. Goforth & .32 Magnum are the guys to answer your questions. Good, clear, large pictures are a must.
Good luck.
EDIT: Thanks, Bill. I did not realize that the .32 also holds 5 rounds.
WCGH,
You are welcome. ...and you can compare the DIAMETER of .38 Special SNAP-CAPS to your cylinder chamber bores, or your barrel bore, to see if you have a .32, or a .38 gun.[;)]0 -
the two patent dates (the last one is actually aug.25.96) were used during 1905 and 1907. which makes you iver johnson's arms & cycle works "safety automatic revolver" a second model (1896-1908). the main serial number location is on the the left side of the grip frame under the grips panel. look there for a letter code prefix to the serial number. letter codes to look for;
hammer/ hammerless
1905= N / O
1906= P / 0
1907= S / U
all second models were made for black powder cartridge pressures DO NOT FIRE MODERN AMMO IN THIS REVOLVER.
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%0 -
Thanks for the info on posting photos. Here are three shots of the gun. The cylinder holds 5 rounds. 
quote:Originally posted by BigLoop22
WCGH,
Here is how to post photographs:
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=259294
Is this a top-break gun? If so, then if there is NO caliber marking on the barrel, then it is probably a black powder-only gun. If your cylinder holds 6 rounds, then it is probably a .32 S&W revolver. These are just guesses. B. Goforth & .32 Magnum are the guys to answer your questions. Good, clear, large pictures are a must.
Good luck.0
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