Finding a definitive serial number database for Iver Johnson revolvers can be tricky because the company's factory records were destroyed in a fire. However, firearms historians have meticulously reconstructed these records based on physical features and surviving catalogs.
The "Best" and most authoritative guide for Iver Johnson serial numbers is widely considered to be the work of William E. "Bill" Goforth, specifically his book: Iver Johnson’s Arms & Cycle Works 1871-1993. Quick Reference for Dating Your Revolver
Since a searchable online "database" doesn't exist in the modern sense, collectors use specific physical design changes to narrow down the manufacture date. 1. Identification by Model (The "Safety Automatic")
The most common Iver Johnson is the Safety Automatic (the one with the "Hammer the Hammer" transfer bar). These are divided into three "Models":
First Model (1894–1896): Look at the top strap. If it has a single leaf spring for the barrel latch, it’s a First Model. These are black powder only.
Second Model (1897–1908): These have a double top strap latch. These are also black powder only. Using modern smokeless powder in these is dangerous.
Third Model (1909–1941): These were redesigned for smokeless powder. The easiest way to tell: The owl logo on the grips faces toward the barrel. On older models, the owl faces the back of the gun. 2. Serial Number Letter Prefixes
Iver Johnson used letter prefixes to denote different frames and years. If you find your serial number on the bottom of the trigger guard or under the left grip, look for these prefixes:
A, B, C... (Plain prefix): Usually indicates early Safety Automatic production.
G, H, J: Often associated with the "Petite" or small frame models.
S: Generally indicates the .38 caliber "Super Shot" or specialized target models from the 1930s. 3. Where to Find the Serial Number
Iver Johnson revolvers often have "hidden" serial numbers. If the one on the trigger guard is worn: Remove the wood or hard rubber grips. Check the left side of the grip frame (the "strap"). The number stamped here is the most reliable for dating. Recommended Communities for Lookups
If you cannot find your specific number, the following forums have experts who own the Goforth book and can provide an exact year:
The Firearms Forum: Has a dedicated "Iver Johnson" sub-section.
Gunboards.com: Excellent for identifying older "H&R" and "Iver Johnson" revolvers.
Note: Always ensure the firearm is unloaded before checking under the grips or inspecting the barrel.
Are you trying to find the value of a specific piece, or are you just looking to verify if it's safe to fire with modern ammunition?
The Ultimate Guide to Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database: Unlocking the Secrets of Your Firearm
Are you a collector, enthusiast, or owner of an Iver Johnson revolver? If so, you're likely interested in learning more about your firearm's history, specifications, and value. One crucial piece of information is the serial number, which can help you identify your revolver's production date, model, and other essential details. In this article, we'll dive into the world of Iver Johnson revolver serial number databases and provide you with the best resources available.
What is an Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database?
An Iver Johnson revolver serial number database is a comprehensive collection of serial numbers and corresponding information about Iver Johnson revolvers. These databases aim to provide a reliable source for firearms enthusiasts to research and verify the authenticity and specifications of their Iver Johnson revolvers.
Why is an Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database Important?
Having access to a reliable serial number database is vital for several reasons:
The BEST Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database BEST
After extensive research, we've identified one of the most comprehensive and reliable Iver Johnson revolver serial number databases:
Other Reliable Resources
While the Iver Johnson Arms Company Serial Number Database is an excellent resource, there are other reliable sources you can use:
How to Use an Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database
Using an Iver Johnson revolver serial number database is relatively straightforward:
Tips and Precautions
When using an Iver Johnson revolver serial number database, keep the following tips and precautions in mind:
Conclusion
The Iver Johnson revolver serial number database is an essential resource for collectors, enthusiasts, and owners of Iver Johnson firearms. By accessing a reliable database, you can unlock the secrets of your revolver's history, specifications, and value. Remember to verify the authenticity of the database and cross-check information from multiple sources. Happy researching!
Additional Resources
For further reading and research, here are some additional resources:
By following these resources and tips, you'll become an expert on Iver Johnson revolvers and be able to unlock the secrets of your firearm's history and value.
Review: Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database
Introduction
The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is a valuable resource for firearms enthusiasts, collectors, and researchers. Iver Johnson, a renowned American firearms manufacturer, produced a wide range of revolvers from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. The database in question aims to provide a comprehensive catalog of serial numbers for Iver Johnson revolvers, facilitating the identification and authentication of these firearms. This review evaluates the database's features, accuracy, and usefulness.
Database Features and Interface
The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is a well-organized online resource, easily accessible via a web browser. The interface is straightforward, allowing users to search for serial numbers by model, year of manufacture, or a combination of both. The database also provides detailed information on the various Iver Johnson revolver models, including their production years, calibers, and notable characteristics.
Accuracy and Completeness
The database appears to be meticulously maintained, with a vast collection of serial numbers covering various Iver Johnson revolver models. A thorough examination of the database reveals a high level of accuracy, with most entries matching the manufacturer's historical records. However, as with any database, there may be some gaps or errors, particularly for rare or hard-to-find models.
Usefulness and Target Audience
The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is an indispensable tool for:
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Conclusion
The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is an exceptional resource for anyone interested in Iver Johnson revolvers. Its accuracy, completeness, and ease of use make it an invaluable tool for collectors, researchers, and law enforcement. While there may be some limitations, the database remains a BEST resource for those seeking to identify, authenticate, or research Iver Johnson revolvers.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation
The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is a must-visit resource for anyone involved with Iver Johnson revolvers. We highly recommend it to collectors, researchers, and law enforcement agencies seeking accurate and reliable information on these firearms.
Future Development
To further enhance the database, we suggest:
By addressing these suggestions, the Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database can continue to grow and improve, solidifying its position as the premier resource for Iver Johnson revolver enthusiasts.
Dating an Iver Johnson revolver is often difficult because the original factory records were destroyed in a fire
. To identify your revolver’s age and model, you must use a combination of physical features serial number prefix 🔍 Where to Find the Serial Number
Iver Johnson frequently used different serial numbers on various parts of the same gun. For accurate dating, the prefix letter is crucial. Left side of the grip frame:
Remove the left grip panel to find the primary serial number with its letter prefix. Bottom of the trigger guard:
This location usually lacks the letter prefix and may be a duplicate. Under the top strap: Check inside the frame window when the cylinder is open. 📅 Safety Automatic Model Identification
These are the most common "top-break" revolvers. Identifying the is the first step to narrowing down the date. Production Years Key Identifying Features First Model 1894 – 1895 Single post latch system. Second Model 1896 – 1908 Double post latch; flat leaf springs. Third Model 1909 – 1941 Double post coil springs ; rated for smokeless powder. Common Serial Number Prefix Codes
If you have found the letter prefix under the grip, you can estimate the year of manufacture.
The best way to identify and date an Iver Johnson revolver is through the serial number and letter prefix
found on the left side of the grip strap (under the grips) or under the top strap. Because many early Iver Johnson records are incomplete or scattered, collectors rely on specialized databases and reference guides like those by expert W.E. Goforth Iver Johnson Serial Number & Identification Guide 1. Locate the "True" Serial Number
The number on the trigger guard is often a partial or duplicate. For accurate dating, you must find the number with its letter prefix Remove the left grip : The full serial number is typically stamped on the left side of the grip strap Under the top strap : Open the action; the number may also be visible there. 2. Identify the Model Era (Black Powder vs. Smokeless)
The serial number format often indicates whether the firearm is safe for modern ammunition: First Model (1894–1896) : Identified by a single-post latch ; typically black powder only. Second Model (1897–1908) double-post latch and often has a flat mainspring; black powder only. Third Model / "New Model" (1909–1941) : Features a coil mainspring and was designed for smokeless powder 3. Decode the Serial Prefix (Approximate Years) While specific databases like the NRA Museum Serialization Records
offer partial data, general patterns for later models (1909+) include: Serial Number Format Estimated Production Era No letter prefix 1909 – 1919 Single letter prefix 1920 – 1929 Two letter prefix 1930 – 1939 All letter serial 1940 – 1950 Example: A serial number starting with indicates a manufacturing run in followed by digits often corresponds to 4. Identifying Features for Quick Dating The Owl Logo
: On "Safety Automatic" models, the owl on the grip will face toward the barrel on earlier models and toward the shooter on later variations. The "FITCHBURG" Code
: Some models used a letter-to-number code based on their hometown, Fitchburg, MA: F=1, I=2, T=3, C=4, H=5, B=6, U=7, R=8, G=9, O=0 Trusted Resources for Verification Expert Reference Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works 1871-1993 W.E. Goforth Finding a definitive serial number database for Iver
is considered the industry-standard "database" for these serials. Community Forums : Collectors on platforms like Reddit/r/guns
often cross-reference private databases for specific serial requests. Appraisals
: For legal or valuation purposes, consult a certified appraiser through services like JustAnswer Firearms specific serial number or help you identify whether a model is a Safety Automatic U.S. Revolver Co.
Dating an Iver Johnson revolver requires more than just a serial number; it often involves cross-referencing mechanical design with letter prefixes that the factory used to denote specific production years. Because Iver Johnson didn't use a strictly linear numbering system across all models, you must first identify your model's "variation" to find an accurate date. Where to Find the Serial Number
Iver Johnson often "hidden" serial numbers to prevent tampering. Check these three key locations:
The Butt: The most common location is on the bottom of the grip frame.
Under the Grip: Remove the left grip panel. The full serial number—often including a crucial letter prefix—is usually stamped on the left side of the frame.
Under the Top Strap: On top-break models, open the action and look at the frame underneath the top strap. Deciphering Serial Letter Prefixes
For many 20th-century models, the letter prefix (or lack thereof) is the primary indicator of the production era:
No Letter Prefix: Generally indicates production between 1909 and 1919.
Single Letter Prefix: Typically denotes the decade of 1920–1929.
Double Letter Prefix: Usually signifies production from 1930 to 1939. All Letter Serial: Found on models from 1940 to 1950. The "FITCHBURG" Code
Iver Johnson used a unique cipher based on their home city, FITCHBURG, to represent numbers 1 through 9. This is often found on later models like the Champion shotgun but may appear on some revolvers: Faqs - Smith & Wesson
Title: Unlocking History: The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database
For firearms enthusiasts, collectors, and historians, few names evoke the image of early 20th-century American reliability quite like Iver Johnson. Known as the "gun that never jams," these revolvers were ubiquitous in the homes and pockets of everyday Americans from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century.
However, for anyone trying to identify the specific history of a found or inherited firearm, Iver Johnson presents a unique challenge. Unlike modern manufacturers with centralized digital archives, Iver Johnson’s records are fragmented. This is why compiling and understanding the Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is considered the "BEST" resource for collectors—it is the key to unlocking the history of these working-class classics.
Today, the Iver Johnson Serial Number Database is considered the gold standard for three reasons:
It has helped:
Without the book, you can identify the general era of an Iver Johnson revolver by looking at the serialization format, particularly for the famous "Safety Automatic" revolvers.
If you ask any serious Iver Johnson collector, "Which database is best?" the answer will be unanimous: the research of the late William S. "Bill" Goforth. His book, "Iver Johnson: Arms & Cycle Works 1871-1993" (privately published, now available via digital archives and forums), contains the most exhaustive serial number vs. date tables ever compiled.
Goforth spent decades cross-referencing factory order books, period catalogs, warranty cards, and surviving physical records. His database is broken down by:
How to Access It: The full Goforth database is not always easy to find for free, but the best way to access it is via the Internet Archive (search "Bill Goforth Iver Johnson serial numbers") or dedicated sections on GunValuesBoard.com and TheFirearmsForum.com, where members have transcribed his tables.
Example of Goforth’s Data (Safety Hammerless 2nd Model): Authentication : Verifying the authenticity of your Iver