Diver Johnsons Arms & Cycle Works

villamaster

February 07, 2003 03:11

Dose anyone know history about this company, My father inlaw who is 80 gave me his fathers Gun, its a 32. cal revolver, over all length is 6 1/4 inches long, 6 shot double action, Thanks for any help. The Co. was in Fitchburg Mass.

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  jonk

  February 07, 2003 04:28

  That's "Iver Johnson" not "Diver". Anyhow, they made a ton of cheap nickel plated and blued revolvers from the late 1800s through the mid 1900s. The top break seems to be most common though there were also pull pin models and perhaps a few swing outs later in the run. Without knowing the specific model and condition of yours it is hard to tell. In any case even in mint condition for most models $125 would be the upper limit, maybe a little higher for some models or bbl lengths. In fair condition around $40. A lot of these are really busted up, where the cylinder doesn't time properly or doesn't lock, the gun doesn't lock shut anymore, etc. Should yours operate properly and lock up tightly, it is 'safe' to shoot inasmuch as any old, cheap gun is safe to shoot. Some early models should only be shot with black powder while other later models can safely shoot commercial .32 S&W. Note that it is probably .32 S&W and NOT the far more common .32 S&W long. Tell us what model it is, bore condition, finish type and condition, etc.
  
  "...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf

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  villamaster

  February 07, 2003 06:09

  Thank you Jonk, The gun dose not have a model # that i can find, there is a serial # P64006, has an owl on the grip, the gun is really pitted badly, It came with 32 auto shells, I have fired it but at about 10 feet you would be safe, I will try to buff it back and probably just leave it in my case, thanks again

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  captkirk3@dslextreme.com

  February 07, 2003 07:19

  Don't Buff it or do anything to it...! Leave it alone...all you'll do is turn a $35.00 gun into a $5.00 Gun..!And if I understood You correctly...You Fired a .32 Automatic Round in a .32 Revolver?..I'd suggest against that in the future...Its possible to rupture the back of the case and the escaping Gases could cause You or People standing around you some small harm..........
  
  Captain Kirk, Tech Staff

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  b.goforth

  February 07, 2003 11:16

  your revolver is an "iver johnson's arms & cycle works " 'safety automatic revolver', which was manufactured in three models from 1894 until 1941
  
  there are a couple of things in your description that don't quite add up. the letter code 'p' was only used in the serial number for one year 1906 on a small frame hammer model which only chambered 5 .32 s&w short cartridges.
  
  the only 6 shot .32 safety automatic revolver were large frame and manufactured between 1909 and 1941 and would have either a 'c' or 'h' letter code.
  
  if you could furinish the exact marking on the top of the barrel and the bottom of the butt strap i can tell you more about your revolver.
  
  more information on iver johnson's arms & cycle works and 'the safety automatic revolver' can be found in my soon to be book.
  http://users3.ev1.net/~goforth/
  b.goforth

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