Iver Johnson Hammerless .32 pistol
2016/7/22 9:04:44
Question
I sent you an email regarding an Iver Johnson Hammerless .32 pistol in which you responded with -
Your Question was:
trying to determine when this gun was manufactured
Following is the reason:
Hello James.
I will be glad to research your revolver, but first I must have more information. I need all the writing on the gun and where it is located (top of barrel, side, bottom of grip and under left grip on frame) including any patent dates. I also need the caliber (.22 cal,.32S&W or .38S&W). Contact me with this information, and I should be able to get you an answer in less than 24 hours. Charles Gage
Expert: Charles Gage
______________________________________________
Here is what we can determine from the gun for the questions you asked:
1) Top of Barrel - Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Fitchburg, Mass USA
2) .32 Hammerless S&W
3) Under Handgrip - Serial Number B14610
4) Under Trigger Guard - 14610
5) Bottom of Handle - the rust/corrosion is pretty bad at this site, so we're guessing as best we can:
JUE16.96 AUG 25
T.16.04 PATS PEND
and there was other stuff, but the rust/corrosion makes it unreadable.
Answer
Hello James.
Thank you for the extra information. The bottom of your grip actually reads: JUN.16,96 AUG.25,96 SEPT.6,04. This puts your revolver manufacture between 1907-1911. The "B" in the serial number narrows it to 1909-1911. The serial number is between B1501-B33800 so this places the manufacture year at 1910. Therefore, you have an Iver Johnson .32 S&W (not .32 S&W LONG or .32 S&W SPECIAL) Third Model Safety Automatic Revolver Original Production (there were 2 variations from 1911-1941). There were 32,300 of this model manufactured in 1910.
I suggest that you have a competent licensed gunsmith approve it before attempting to shoot it. It was manufactured to shoot modern smokeless ammunition, but the loads then generated less pressure than modern smokeless ammunition loaded today. In good condition, your revolver is valued around $125.
I hope this has answered your questions, and thank you very much for asking for me. Charles Gage
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