Iver Johnson was a US firearms manufacturer from 1871 until his death in 1895. His company produced inexpensive revolvers, shotguns, and bicycles. Johnson’s revolvers were particularly popular among law enforcement officers and civilians alike for their reliability and low cost. Today, Iver Johnson revolvers are highly collectible, and dating them can be a challenge. Here are some tips on how to date an Iver Johnson revolver.
A Brief History of Iver Johnson and the Revolvers they Produced
Iver Johnson was born in Norway in 1841 and emigrated to the United States with his parents at the age of three. The family eventually settled in Worcester, Massachusetts. Iver Johnson worked in a variety of jobs in his youth, including as a farmhand, a machinist, and a gunsmith.
In 1871, Johnson and his partner, Martin Bye, started a small business repairing and selling firearms. They were successful enough that, in 1878, they were able to open their own factory. The company initially produced small arms for the U.S. military, but soon began to focus on producing revolvers for the civilian market.
Iver Johnson revolvers were well-made and relatively inexpensive, which made them popular with both recreational shooters and law enforcement officers. The company also produced a number of innovative designs, including the “safety automatic” revolver, which had a device that prevented the gun from firing if it was not in the correct position.
Iver Johnson Revolver Identification
Iver Johnson was a U.S. firearms manufacturer from 1871 to 1993. The company produced a wide variety of firearms but is most known for its inexpensive revolvers. Iver Johnson’s revolvers were very popular and sold in great numbers. Many of these revolvers are still in use today.
Iver Johnson revolvers can be identified by their distinctive top-break action. The top-break action allows the user to break open the revolver’s frame to reload the cylinder. Iver Johnson revolvers were usually chambered in .22, .32, or .38 caliber. The most common Iver Johnson revolver is the “Safety Automatic” model, which was produced in large numbers from 1894 to 1941.
Iver Johnson revolvers are well-made and reliable firearms. They are often passed down from generation to generation. If you have an Iver Johnson revolver, it is a valuable piece of American history.
How to Date an Iver Johnson Revolver
Iver Johnson was a US firearms company founded in 1871 by Norwegian immigrant Iver Johnson and his partner W. C. Douglas. The company produced a variety of revolvers and pistols until 1917 when it was bought by the Remington Arms Company.
Iver Johnson revolvers can be dated by their serial numbers, which are typically found on the underside of the barrel. The first two digits of the serial number indicate the year of manufacture, while the last four digits indicate the number of the revolver produced that year. For example, a revolver with the serial number 1234 would have been manufactured in 1812 and would be the 34th revolver produced that year.
To date, an Iver Johnson revolver first locates the serial number on the underside of the barrel. Then, using a chart of Iver Johnson serial numbers, match the first two digits of the serial number with the year of manufacture. Finally, consult the chart to determine the number of the revolver produced that year.
The Value of Iver Johnson Revolvers
The Iver Johnson revolver is a popular choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable handgun. The company has been in business since 1871 and has a reputation for producing quality firearms. The Iver Johnson revolver is available in a variety of calibers and styles, making it a versatile option for self-defense, target shooting, or plinking. The revolver is simple to operate and maintain, and its reliability has made it a favorite among gun owners for over a century.
Tips for Dating Your Iver Johnson Revolver
Dating an Iver Johnson revolver can be challenging, especially if it has unique features or modifications. Here are some tips to help you date your Iver Johnson revolver:
- Check for any special features or modifications that could affect the age of your revolver.
- Research the history of Iver Johnson revolvers to gain a better understanding of the various models and their unique features.
- Seek advice from experienced collectors or gun enthusiasts who may have more knowledge about Iver Johnson revolvers.
Iver Johnson Revolvers and Their Place in Today’s Market
The Iver Johnson revolver is a type of handgun that was first introduced in the late 19th century. Iver Johnson was a US-based firearms manufacturer that produced a wide range of firearms, including revolvers. The company was founded in 1871 and went out of business in the mid-20th century.
Despite being out of production for nearly 50 years, Iver Johnson revolvers are still popular among collectors and shooters. While they may not be as technologically advanced as modern handguns, they are still well-made and reliable firearms. Iver Johnson revolvers are typically more affordable than other collectible revolvers, making them a good option for budget-minded collectors.
| Step | Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | Look for identifying marks: Iver Johnson revolvers typically have the name “Iver Johnson” stamped on the barrel or frame, as well as a serial number. |
| 2 | Verify the age: Iver Johnson revolvers were produced from 1871 to 1993, so checking the serial number against a chart of production years can give you an idea of the firearm’s age. |
| 3 | Check for alterations: Iver Johnson revolvers were frequently modified, so look for alterations to the grips, sights, or safety switch. |
| 4 | Determine the model: Iver Johnson produced numerous revolver models over the years, so determining the model can be helpful for both dating and understanding the firearm’s features. |
| 5 | Research the value: Once you have identified the model and age of your Iver Johnson revolver, research its current value to make sure you are getting a fair deal if you plan to buy or sell. |
| 6 | Consider safety: Always handle firearms with care and make sure you are familiar with firearms safety rules before attempting to operate an Iver Johnson revolver. |
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Iver Johnson revolvers are popular among collectors because of their low cost and wide availability. They are also popular among shooters because of their simple design and reliability.
The most common calibers for Iver Johnson revolvers are .22 and .32.
Iver Johnson revolvers require the same basic care as any other firearm. Keep it clean and lubricated, and inspect it regularly for wear or damage.
Yes, you can shoot modern ammunition in an Iver Johnson revolver. However, you should avoid using +P or +P+ ammunition, as it can damage the gun.
There are a number of books and websites dedicated to Iver Johnson revolvers. The Iver Johnson Arms Company is a good place to start.
Conclusion
Iver Johnson was a prolific gun manufacturer in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and his revolvers are prized by collectors today. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these firearms, you can date it by looking at the markings on the gun. With a little bit of research, you can narrow down the date of your Iver Johnson revolver and add another piece of history to your collection.
Great article. I couldn’t find the comparison chart. Can you please give me a hand and tell me what model and what ammo to shoot. #S62301