Owl head .32

[Cdagrey82]

If this has already been posted I am sorry. I just acquired a Iver Johnson top break 5 shot. I have a serial # but can't find an exact date any info would be great. Thanks in advance

 

[Col. Harrumph]

We can't be of much help without the serial no. (It's found on the frame under the left grip panel. There may or may not be a letter prefix, but if present it will only be found under the grip.) BTW the serial no. will not itself give a reliable manufacture date because when the s/n hit 99999, IJ started over at 1. Also, some pics of the barrel latch would help, as well as letting us know if the hammer spring is a flat leaf type, or a spiral.

 

[Cdagrey82]

[QUOTE="Col. Harrumph, p

 

[jar]

Most likely a Black Powder gun based on the direction the owl is looking.

 

[Col. Harrumph]

Cdagrey, you have an Iver Johnson "Safety Automatic First Model" that was in production from 1894 to 1896, according to my reference: Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Firearms 1871-1993, by the late W.E. Goforth. (This book is still in print and available from gunshowbooks.com if you're interested.) You haven't told us the caliber; if the cylinder holds 7 it's a .22. Otherwise it's a 5-shot chambered either for .32 S&W (a.k.a. .32 Short), or .38 S&W (also a.k.a.). Jar is correct, yours is a black powder gun. IJ called it a "Safety Automatic." The safety was due to an IJ innovation, the transfer bar. Advertisements claimed this was an extra safe revolver because you could "hammer the hammer" and it wouldn't fire unless the trigger was pulled also. Ruger uses the same idea today. Automatic referred to the ejector.

 

[Cdagrey82]

Cdagrey, you have an Iver Johnson "Safety Automatic First Model" that was in production from 1894 to 1896, according to my reference: Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Firearms 1871-1993, by the late W.E. Goforth. (This book is still in print and available from gunshowbooks.com if you're interested.) You haven't told us the caliber; if the cylinder holds 7 it's a .22. Otherwise it's a 5-shot chambered either for .32 S&W (a.k.a. .32 Short), or .38 S&W (also a.k.a.). Jar is correct, yours is a black powder gun. IJ called it a "Safety Automatic." The safety was due to an IJ innovation, the transfer bar. Advertisements claimed this was an extra safe revolver because you could "hammer the hammer" and it wouldn't fire unless the trigger was pulled also. Ruger uses the same idea today. Automatic referred to the ejector.

O I am sorry its a .32 short 5 shot

 

[thomas15]

Nice piece of history!