Iver Johnson 5 shot revolver

Question

revolver  
revolver   QUESTION: I have what I believe is a very old Iver Johnson 32 caliber revolver.  The number stamped on the bottom of the trigger guard is 29807.  The number stamped on the left butt under the grip is B29809.  The number on the bottom of the butt is 6.04 RATSPEL (as near as I can make it out), and also there is another series of letters and numbers starting with JHE (I cannot read the balance of the numbers there).

I was given this gun in 1944 by a boyhood friend.  Only fired it a few times then.  Never been fired since.  It seems to have a hand carved grip held together with one small bold and nut.

I would like to know more about this gun.  Will certainly appreciate any info you can give me.
Thank you very much.
Don King

ANSWER: Hello Don King.
  Your Iver Johnson revolver is a Third Model Safety Hammerless .32 S&W revolver. There were the original (which is what yours is), a First Variation and a Second Variation. According to your serial number B29809, your revolver was manufactured in 1910.
  There are actually three places you can find the serial number. Bottom of trigger guard, under left grip panel on frame and under the top strap above the cylinder.
  The markings you describe on the bottom of the grip strap are as follows:
         J HE
         PAT.JUNE,16.96,AUG.25,96
         6.04 RAT S PEL
         SEPT.6,04.PAT'S PENDING

  There should also be some writing on the barrel: x IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS x
         > FITCHBURG MASS. U.S.A. <

This could be on the top, on the side, or on the barrel lug (the pivot where the barrel attaches the frame). The wooden grips do not match any I have seen on this revolver.
  I hope this helps answer your question, and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Charles, I sincerely appreciate your expertise regarding my revolver.  Is it possible you would know whether this firearm  has any historic/antique value?  I don't have any reason to hold on to it any longer.  Thank you very much.
Don King

Answer
Hello, again, Don King.
  It would be nice to apply a historically significant story to your revolver. However, the only records kept, on this type of revolver, were between the factory and the hardware or gun store that sold it. The value is relevant to it's condition. They generally sell for $75 to $125. Charles Gage