IVER JOHNSON

Question
I have a iver Johnson hammerless safty .32 5, shot revolver. (iver Johnsons arms and cycle works, Fitchburg mass usa) on top  barrel, left pearl handle missing, showing 142 on handle no letters and the same numbers 142 under the trigger guard, any idea's, also on the butt of handle is {june1696 aug2697 pats pending} is stamped.  any help  maybe year, model.etc. thanks  don

Answer
Hello Don.
  Your Iver Johnson revolver had me running through all my research tools. I have finally found the information we need. To begin with, the Iver Johnson Safety Automatic came with hard rubber black grips. Your revolver was a "Special Order". It was ordered with "Genuine Mother of Pearl" grips. The serial number ,without a letter prefix, is also how special order revolvers were designated. Therefore, your revolver is designated an "IVER JOHNSON SAFETY HAMMERLESS AUTOMATIC SMALL FRAME SECOND MODEL .32 S&W." Wow! What a mouthful. The serial "142" places it's manufacture as "1906".
  There were three models, with many variations of each. The First and Second(which you have),
were manufactured for use with "black powder" cartridges. The Third Model was produced to use "smokeless powder".
  Incidentally, your revolver sold for $1.25, factory fresh. I hope this information helps. Charles Gage.