It's been a while
It's been a while since I've been on this message board and it's nice to be back. I have a couple questions for some of the experts who reside on this board (or anyone who can lend any info). I visited relatives this weekend for Easter and it was brought to my attention by my father that my grandfather left two pistols to him upon his passing last Thanksgiving. Evidentially he brought them back from WWII. I'm looking for any information on these two pieces. I'll try to give all the relevant information, but since I only took down the markings, etc. it might be difficult.
The first is a chrome-plated revolver. The top of the barrel is stamped with the following: "Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works" "Fitchburg, Mass., USA" "Patented Apr 6, 1886, Feb 15, 1887, May 10, 1887, Dec 26 1893 (patents pending)". The serial number on this small pistol is #A2619. It is a 5-shot revolver, which I believe is a .38 cal with a break-open barrel, which measures only about 3". The grips have owl's faces and seem to be made of bake-o-lite (sp?). The trigger guard and trigger are blued, but the rest looks chrome plated. It is in about 85% condition of new.
The second piece is quite interesting and was said to be taken from a German officer. I believe it is a 9mm Luger, but some of the markings may tell otherwise. The slide is stamped with the following: "S.A. Alkartaguna" "Fabrica de Armas" "Guern". The serial number is #52993. There is an "AK" stamped on the front end of the slide and near the grips. The grips seem to be walnut and seem to be hand-checkered as there are some inconsistencies in the checkering which would lead me to believe they were not machined. The leather holster that accompanies this piece is quite exquisite. It features a 1 1/4" brass Lowenbrau symbol (like the beer symbol) with the lion and underneath says "Lowenbrau Munchen". There is an aluminum stud which holds the cover over the holster, as well as a spare clip pocket on the outside of the leather holster with an extra clip. I would estimate this piece at 85%-90%.
Any information you could lend would be of great value to both my father and I. He is desperately seeking advice and I'm hoping some of you can help.
Thanks,
Jeremy
The first is a chrome-plated revolver. The top of the barrel is stamped with the following: "Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works" "Fitchburg, Mass., USA" "Patented Apr 6, 1886, Feb 15, 1887, May 10, 1887, Dec 26 1893 (patents pending)". The serial number on this small pistol is #A2619. It is a 5-shot revolver, which I believe is a .38 cal with a break-open barrel, which measures only about 3". The grips have owl's faces and seem to be made of bake-o-lite (sp?). The trigger guard and trigger are blued, but the rest looks chrome plated. It is in about 85% condition of new.
The second piece is quite interesting and was said to be taken from a German officer. I believe it is a 9mm Luger, but some of the markings may tell otherwise. The slide is stamped with the following: "S.A. Alkartaguna" "Fabrica de Armas" "Guern". The serial number is #52993. There is an "AK" stamped on the front end of the slide and near the grips. The grips seem to be walnut and seem to be hand-checkered as there are some inconsistencies in the checkering which would lead me to believe they were not machined. The leather holster that accompanies this piece is quite exquisite. It features a 1 1/4" brass Lowenbrau symbol (like the beer symbol) with the lion and underneath says "Lowenbrau Munchen". There is an aluminum stud which holds the cover over the holster, as well as a spare clip pocket on the outside of the leather holster with an extra clip. I would estimate this piece at 85%-90%.
Any information you could lend would be of great value to both my father and I. He is desperately seeking advice and I'm hoping some of you can help.
Thanks,
Jeremy
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I can help you identify your pistol. It's a "Alkartasuna", made in Spain during and just after W W I. My reference shows (2) models both in .32 caliber. The only difference is one is larger and has a greater magazine capacity.
This company got into business during the First World War making "Ruby" type pistols for the French Military.
As the factory was destroyed by fire in 1920, your pistol can be dated, as being made between 1915 & 1920.
The slide markings are "S. A. AlKARTASUNA FABRICA DE ARMAS GURENICA".
If your pistol is the model that has (2) screws holding the wooden grips on, it's the larger one.
These "Ruby" type pistols made by many manufactures in Spain, during and after W W 1, generally have little collector interest/value.0 -
Thanks for the information. Not even close to a Luger, which is kind of what I thought by the description. It must be the larger model, as it has the two screws holding the grips. As far as value, are we looking at $150-$200? Does that sound reasonable? At first I obviously thought it was something much different, but I don't have any reference materials and certainly don't have nearly as much expertise as most on this forum.
Thanks again.
Jeremy0 -
Been waiting for B. Goforth to give you the skinny on your I. J. revolver. He's forgotten more then I ever knew about I. J.'s. (He's written the book).
Since he hasn't commented, I'll give it a stab?
Seems to me your revolver is the "Safety Hammer Model", made by I. J. for almost 60 years. If it's this model then it's quite common, they were I. J.'s cash cow from the 1890's to the 1950's.
Neither one of your Grandfathers handguns are worth a great deal of money. $75 to $150 each, best to hold on to them, as a remembrance of him.0 -
Jeremy..... I have an Iver Johnson exactly as you describe. The gun is the "Safety Automatic double action". It is .38 S&W caliber, not .38 Special.
The info Rufe gave on years of manuf and value are correct. If you open the action and spin the cylinder counterclockwise it will come off for cleaning.
I have actually shot mine, and it works. The accuracy sucks, but fun anyway.0 -
I just came by a Alkartasuna in .32 auto, 2 screw grips. It is about 99%, the bluing is beautiful; I've stripped it down, no wear at all, I don't think this pistol was shot at all but has been locked away somewhere for the last 70-80 years. It has a five digit serial number and unfortunately there seems to be little documentation. If anyone has anything any further I would be interested. I took it to the range and at 30 feet could shoot a .50 sized pattern. Not bad for iron sights and my advanced age. There is little recoil and I think with some type of hollow point this could be a very accecptable 'carry gun.' Very simple safety, very flat for easy concealment and I think (open for corrections)..... Tom 0 -
quote:Originally posted by tommy2waffle
I just came by a Alkartasuna in .32 auto, 2 screw grips. It is about 99%, the bluing is beautiful; I've stripped it down, no wear at all, I don't think this pistol was shot at all but has been locked away somewhere for the last 70-80 years. It has a five digit serial number and unfortunately there seems to be little documentation. If anyone has anything any further I would be interested. I took it to the range and at 30 feet could shoot a .50 sized pattern. Not bad for iron sights and my advanced age. There is little recoil and I think with some type of hollow point this could be a very accecptable 'carry gun.' Very simple safety, very flat for easy concealment and I think (open for corrections)..... Tom
If this is not spam, you are better off starting a new thread as opposed to attaching to a 7 year old thread. Threads in Ask the Experts are locked after 10 responses. Since you tied onto an old one, this one will be locked after 4 more responses.0 -
On top of that, what is your question [?]
This is "ASK THE EXPERTS FORUM" [;)]0
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