U.S. Revolver Co.
I have an old U.S revolver in 38 S&W cal. I know they were made by H&R. It's an 'owl head' or top break model with 3 1/2 inch barrel, s/n 1478. Hammer does't want to stay cocked in single action but works well in D/A. Any idea on the year it was made? Thanks.
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I have a .38 made by "U.S. Revolver Co. do any of my experts buddies here at Gun Broker have any information on what happened to this company and or it's background? Thx AL[:)] 0 -
We've had a number of posts in the past inquiring about this manufacturer. It's a "Trade Name" used in the early 20th Century on inexpensive revolvers produced by the Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works, of Fitchburg Massachusetts. 
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krunch,
the u.s revolver co. handguns were manufactured by iver johnson's arms & cycle works between 1910 and 1935. there was the top break model called "automatic" and a solid frame model called "double action".
the u.s. revolver co. automatic was offer in two frame sizes and three calibers, hammer and hammerless versions. the u.s. revolver co. double action was offered in three frame sizes and four calibers.
all together there were 500,000 plus of the top breaks and 400,000 of the solid frames manufactured between 1910 and 1935. the top break models were also sold to some companies who put their own name on it (ie; fred biffar co. and thier 'secrt service special' model).
the u.s. revolver co. handguns were sold mostly by mail order houses and local hardware stories.
b.goforth
if you can give me the serial number and letter code found on the left side of the grip frame (grips must be removed to see this serial number) i can give you the year of manufacture.0 -
This is so weird. I just recently got my grandfather's revolver, and I managed to find my way here. Same gun, .38 and everything as this gentleman.
The one I have is a "top break" revolver.
Serial #: I found two numbers, one on the barrel piece and one on the handle under the grip.
Handle: 30627
Barrel: 6135
Grip Letter Code: 30627? (It's the only # or digits on the inside left of the handle)
If you can help, thank you so much.0 -
mreed,
the serial number on the left side of the grip frame is the main serial location. at some time in the past the barrel on your revolver was replaced. 'u.s. revolver co. automatic' large frame 38 caliber serial number 30627 was manufactured in 1912, there were approx 14,250 of this model manufactured that year. the u.s. revolver co. products were manufactured between 1910 and 1935. there were a total of 137,650 large frame top break 38 caliber manufactured.
if your revolver is in good condition it is safe to use modern factory in it but not hot handloads.
the u.s. revolver co. was a company in name only. iver johnson's arms & cycle works manufactured these revolvers as a less expensive alternate to their main line of revolvers. the u.s. revolver co. products were sold by large mail order companies and small local retail stores (hardware, feedstores and the likes). in 1912 the iver johnson safety automatic revolver sold for almost $8.00 and the u.s. revolver co. automatic sold for $6.00. value today is very dependant on condition, both physical and mechanical, and will range from $40.00(poor) to about $250.00(like new in box with all papers).
bill0 -
The barrel piece says "US Revolver Co." along the top of the barrel. Would this mean that it was an aftermarket piece made by the same company? 0 -
mreed,
it is a factory barrel just from another revolver.
b.goforth0 -
i have a revolver by the u.s. revolver co and i know very little about it. the serial number on it is: 85776 if anyone can get me any info it'd be much appreciated. thx
steve0 -
steve,
does your revolver have a letter code with the serial number that is found on the left side of the grip frame (grips must be removed to view this location).
i will also need to know the caliber and if it is a solid frame or top break type.
b.goforth0 -
Hi b.goforth,
What a pleasure to stumble on a thread of immediate interest and continuing value. I have five US Revolver breaktops and will take you up on your offer to tell me more based on the s/n's. Here's that info:
1) s/n D25368, .38/5 shot, 3-1/4" bbl, blued, hammerless, DAO.
2) s/n 68245, .38/5 shot, 3" bbl, nickel, hammerless, DAO.
3) s/n 37319, .32/5 shot, 3" bbl, nickel, spur hammer, DA/SA good.
4) s/n 21357, .22/7 shot, 3" bbl, nickel, spur hammer, DA/SA good.
5) s/n 26259, .32/5 shot, 3" nickel, spur hammer, DA good but needs trigger return spring and SA not working, if it ever did.
These are nice revolvers, making for good collecting.
Herb Fredricksen0 -
herb,
1. D25368 manufactured in 1925 (5,250 manufactured that year)
2. 68245 manufactured in 1914 (about 14,250 manufactured that year)
3. 37319 manufactured in 1912 ( about 14,250 manufactured that year)
4. 21357 manufactured in 1911 (about 14,250 manufactured that year)
5. 26259 manufactured in 1912 (about 14,250 manufactured that year
the problem with the single action is most likely a broken or missing single action sear spring. bot trigger return spring and single action sear spring should be available from numrich arms (e-gunparts.com)
for your information there were over 600,000 top break u.s. revolver co. automatics (top break models) manufactured between 1910 and 1935 and only 107,650 of them were 22 rimfire small frame models. to the best of my knowledge there were no 22 rimfire hammerless models manufactured.
as a stated in other answers iver johnson's arms & cycle works manufactured these revolvers for the wholesale trade. there were solid frame models as well as top break. the solid frame models were offered in three frame sizes and four calibers and were of the pull pin cylinder type.
in the top break model the highest production was the small frame 32 centerfire model and in the solid frame maodel the highest production was the 7 shot 22 rimfire (over 155,000).
all u.s. revolver co. handguns were manufactured for smokeless powder pressures and if in good condition should be safe with modern factory ammo.
bill0
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