Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

Need Iver Johnson expert

Tomahawk674
Hello, I have just bought a 1st model safety hammer in 38S&W, but it's a rare one that has a button for releasing the cylinder.

I don't have it in my hands yet but I wanted to go ahead and ask for some help, as I'm only familiar with the double post model.

How does one disassemble the top latch, and the cylinder release button? Is there a tiny srew on the right side of the top latch? I think I see that in some pictures.

I would appreciate any tips as I've never seen that model before. already have a set of pin punches.
0

Comments

3 comments

Date Votes
  • b.goforth
    the chances are the barrel top latch is a lever you push up to open. the button cylinder release are the earliest of the safety automaic first model manufactured about 1894/1895 (depending on the caliber). it was replaced by the threaded cylinder bushing early on. dissamble of either is very hard and not recommend after over a hundred years.

    FIRST MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMER REVOLVER
    (Black Powder Cartridges)
    1894-1896
    LARGE & SMALL FRAME VERSIONS USES THE FAMOUS HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION This is the first revolver marked "Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works", some very early model were marked "Iver Johnson & Co.". It is a top break revolver with a single top post barrel latch, it was manufactured in two frame sizes and three calibers, standard finish was Nickel with blue being optional. Grip panels are hard rubber with Owls head design. Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire & .32 centerfire, Large frame .38 centerfire; Cylinder capacity: small frame .22 7 rounds & .32 5 rounds, Large frame 5 rounds; Standard barrel length: small frame 3 inches, large frame 3? inches; Weight: small frame 3 inch barrel .22 rimfire 12 ounces, .32 centerfire 12? ounces large frame 3? inch barrel 17? 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 inch. Main serial number location on left side of grip frame; grips must be removed to see. . The First Model features a single top post barrel latch (release lever mounted on left side of top strap) and flat leaf hammer spring.
    VALUE: 100%=$290, 80%=$140, 60%=$110, 40%=$90, 20%=$70, 10%=$60

    for more information on this early revolver check out my book on iver johnson's
    bill
    0
  • Tomahawk674
    Yes it does have the single post, AND the push button release for the cylinder.

    I would appreciate any tips to disassemble those parts.
    0
  • b.goforth
    the normal person should not even attempt to do any work on the top latch and cylinder release on these over one hundred year old revolvers as the two screws are tiny and usually rusted in place. i have no specific details on working on these parts.
    bill
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity