38 top break Iver Johnson

[Rev Ron]

I have an old 38S&W T/B that I would like to know the model and year made.

On the top of the barrel is

Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works
<- Fitchburg Mass USA ->

The serial # is on the barrel under the double top latch also on the bottom of the trigger guard and on the frame under the left grip.

On the butt is

Pat June 16, 96 Aug 25, 96
<- Pats Pending ->

I do hope that this will help to get the mod and date made.

 

[Old Fuff]

Well I can tell you that it was probably made before 1909, but not much more unless you post the serial number, including any letter prefix. The letter (if there is one) will likely be stamped on the side of the frame's handle, behind the grips, or maybe on the bottom of the trigger guard. If you wish you can use XX for the last two numbers.

 

[paramedic70002]

That looks a lot like an old IJ 32 I have.

I hope it works better than mine. Multiple FTFs, probably due to light firing pin strikes.

BTW 38 S&W is NOT 38 Special. Do not attempt to fire 38 Special ammo. Do not attempt to fire it at all unless a smith says it's OK.

 

[Rev Ron]

The serial # is 5802 no letter prefix. I knew that it is 38 S&W not 38 special and it fires the modern 38 S&W with no problems.

 

[Rev Ron]

Hey paramedic70002 I work on my own guns and I would love to have another one if you want to sell your 32.

 

[Old Fuff]

Serial number 5802 with no letter prefix (and be sure about the letter because it's important) would be a very early example and date from 1894 (first year of manufacture), have a single-post barrel latch, patent dates on the barrel rib, and a flat mainspring. Something here doesn't add up.

 

[Rev Ron]

I didn't want to remove the grips again because they are in very good condition I removed them anyway and there is a Q 5802 I lucked out and didn't damage the grips

 

[Old Fuff]

You get an A+ for being careful with the grips.

As a reward I can tell you that the revolver was made in 1906, and more information will follow.

 

[paramedic70002]

My IJ 32 serial number is 350XX. Can you date it?

 

[Old Fuff]

There is a problem with Iver Johnson that folks today overlook...

They made too darn many guns...

In fact in the late 1890's up through the 1920's they far outproduced both Smith & Wesson and Colt combined.

So what they would do is assign a serial number series to each seperate model. then they would number from 1 to 100,000. When they got there they started over with a letter prefix, and the number 1. After while they would hit 100,000 again and go back to #1 with a different letter for the prefix. Sometimes they did this several times.

So not always, but most of the time you can't date an Iver Johnson revolver unless you not only know the serial number, but the prefix - if there is one.

The full serial number with the prefix is usually stamped on:

The left/bottom side of the handle part of the frame, hidden under the left grip panel. You have to remove the grips to see it, and be very careful because of age they are brittle and crack or chip easily.

They sometimes stamped the number on the bottom of the trigger guard, but they didn't always include the prefix. If you don't find a prefix it's back to removing the grips again.

Last but not least, it may be stamped on the bottom of the butt, but again they didn't always include the prefix for lack of room.

Oh, and I almost forgot. They made a large frame, 6 shot, chambered in .32 S&W Long - either with a conventional hammer or an enclosed (hammerless) one.

Then the same as above on their smaller frame as a 5-shot chambered in .32 S&W.

All this could drive me to strong drink...

 

[Rev Ron]

Hey Old Fuff thank you very much for your help in this matter.

 

[Old Fuff]

I have more information, but will need time to compile and post it. Too much stuff in my in-box, and too little going out. :banghead:

 

[paramedic70002]

It's B 390xx.

I actually found an Iver Johnson expert on another forum who told me it was made in 1911.