Question
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QUESTION: Hi there;
I have recently been given this antique revolver and am trying to positively identify its proper full name. It has matching serial numbers of 4772 under the finger/trigger guard and beneath the wooden grip on the metal frame. I am having a very difficult time finding an exact match online either with images or describing it in search engines. I would like to make a purchase of some cartridges for it but want to make sure I buy the proper ones for this particular Iver revolver Johnson. Any information that you may provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
ANSWER: Hello Dave.
You have an 'Iver Johnson Safety Automatic Third Model'. There are only four calibers this was manufactured in. .22Lr.; .32 Smith & Wesson; .32 Smith & Wesson Long and .38 Smith & Wesson(not .38 Smith & Wesson Special). From the appearance of the picture you posted, and with the lack of an 'alpha-numeric' serial number, I would say it is a Third Model Large Frame in .22Lr. If so, it will be a seven shot cylinder. I do not believe it is a .32 Smith & Wesson Long, since the cylinder seems short. However, it could be a .32 Smith & Wesson. If so, it will have a six shot cylinder. If it is only a five shot cylinder, it can only be a .38 Smith & Wesson. The grip is called a Western Walnut. If it is .22Lr., you can shoot any subsonic cartridges in it. If it is the .32S&W or .38 S&W, you can purchase these online from most ammunition dealers. I hope this helps and thanks for asking for me. Charles Gage
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QUESTION: I have included two more photographs for you to help clear up the amount of cartridges it takes. A standard Bic pen fit almost perfectly in the the chamber round holder with just a tiny tiny bit of wig room. It appears from your description that this is most likely a .32 size round then? Is there a place where I may research the actual serial number online for free please?
AnswerHello Dave.
You are correct about the caliber. A round 'Bic' pin will fit in the bore snug. Now that we are this far, we can go to manufacture year. That year was 1909. The wood grips, 'Western Walnut', were new in 1910, and available as a 'special order' for the Third Model Safety Automatic. This was not the only 'special order' for the Third Model. There was a 6" barrel available. The standard was 3 1/4". The revolver was also offered in blue steel, while the standard was nickel-plate. All special orders from the factory were numbered without a 'letter' prefix. All said, Your revolver was a special order, direct from the factory, to the original owner (not from a hardware store). It was most likely a revolver on hand from the 1909 manufacture batch. So, due to research, including information from W.E. Goforth's book 'Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Firearms 1871-1993', you have an 'Iver Johnson Safety Automatic Third Model Special Order of 1909. It can be a .32 Smith & Wesson Long, or a .32 Smith & Wesson. The .32 S&W Long is no longer available, but the .32 S&W is still available and can be used in it's place. I would hold on to this one. Average value on todays market is $150-$200, but this one could be more.
Thanks for asking for me again. And remember the information is absolutely free! Charles Gage.
