Iver Johnson handgun

Question
Good morning Charles,I have a top-break Iver Johnson pistol chambered in 38S&W that supposedly belonged to my great-grandfather who worked at the Maine state prison in Thomaston. The serial number is 72719--on the bottom of the handgrip is stamped pat. aug.25.96  If you could,can you tell me when it was manufactured ?  It does have sentimental value to our family,Thank you in advance,Wayne

Answer
Hello Wayne.
  Your revolver is known as 'Iver Johnson Safety Hammer Third Model 2nd Variation'. What a mouthful! It was manufactured in 1913. There were 6,600 manufactured that year. The Thomaston prison in Maine opened in 1824 and moved to another city in 2002. Iver Johnson revolvers were issued to some guards, but most staff had to purchase their own revolver. Since Iver Johnson was the safest and most dependable revolver on the market, and the lower price, compared to Colt and Smith & Wesson, this made them very desirable to police departments and other law enforcement personnel. I hope this answers your question and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage