Iver Johnson "Colt" replica?

[RDCL]

Many years ago (mid 1970's) I had an 1860 44 cal. Colt repro made by Iver Johnson.

I was just a teenager when I received this gun as a gift from my uncle, complete with 44 cal balls/flask/tools etc. I never had the chance to shoot the gun as it was stolen from me about a year later.

Oh, that was a long time ago. Things happen. I do kinda miss the gun though.....although it's nothing I really lose sleep over today....I DO wish I still had it and curse the clown that took it from me.

Anyway. That's past history. I'm curious about Iver Johnson as a company that made BP firearms. Were they good quality....I mean were they comparable to what is produced by Uberti today? As I stoke my memory I seem to recall that my 1860 repro was pretty good quality.
I've searched the net for info on IJ cap & ball pistols from the past but can find nothing. If anyone can give shed some light on IJ BP, and when they stopped making them....that'd be cool.

One day soon I plan on getting myself an identical gun.....not to shoot...just for memories sake. keep it oiled. Polish the brass. Lay it on the table and look at it as I sip my coffee.

Thanks, Russ

 

[Tomahawk674]

I *think* they were rebranded Uberties, but I may be mistaken.

 

[Oyeboten]

I have heard of them...seen Ads in older Gun Magazines of the time...but I do not know anything more.

I would say, find one, or find any Cap and Ball Revolver you like the looks or feel of, and, not only keep it oiled and clean and admired...but...( most fun of all ) take it out and SHOOT it often, also..!

Best of all possible Worlds then.


Around that time also, Iver Johnson was offering SAA Revolvers with or without Target Sights ( Looking like the Colt Model SAAs ) I think with the Iver Johnson name on them, in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and, .45 Colt...though with these also, I do not know who actually made them, if it was I.J. or someone else.

 

[rcflint]

Iver Johnson

It was Iver Johnson that assembled and finished the 2nd gen Colt cap & ball guns for Colt. Many of the parts like the springs and screws were made in the USA, but the frames, cylinders and barrels and probably loading levers were shipped from Uberti raw.

Iver Johnson did not make the 3rd gen Signature Series.

 

[Smokin_Gun]

Here's a couple links on it:
http://www.gunsandammo.com/content/cap--ball-resurrection
http://store.bluebookinc.com/Info/PDF/POWDER/MBPHistoryOfColtBlack.pdf

I read where the 3rd gen Colt were made/assembeled by some of the same Iver Johnson/2nd Gen Colt crew that did assemble the 2nd Gen Colts under Contract with Colt but by the Colt Black Powder Co. in New York...They are all beauties that's a fact, I have a No.1Model Dragoon and love the heck out of it.

I'm throwin' this one in just for the sake of interest...Iver Johnson is in it.
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Firearms_Guide_98674_7.pdf

 

[madcratebuilder]

The IJ Colts were Italian replicas. Lou Imperato owned IJ and he was involved in both the 2nd gen and 3rd gen Colts.

 

[RDCL]

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it very much.


Russ