Iver Johnson shotgun

Question
HI Experts
I inherited a 12 guage Iver Johnson shotgun. The word Champion is on the butt plate with numbers 8444, numbers on the front stock piece when removed, read 8444. Side of breach/chamber reads- Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works Fitchburg Ma. Barrel lettering reads Pat Pend ??? Apr 15 02. Can you tell me when the gun was manufactured, any parts available (need trigger spring)and any value if I restore it?

Answer
Hello Kenny.
  Not much to go on here, but the patent date of Apr 15 02 was issued to O.F. Mossberg for a locking mechanism called the 'ring trigger'. This shotgun was known as the 'Iver Johnson Ejector Single Gun' manufactured from 1897-1904.It had a semi-hammerless #bobbed hammer#, in 28",30",32" plain or twist steel barrel. A ring in front of the trigger opens the action. It had a rebounding hammer; automatic ejector; American Black Walnut butt stock and for-end. The frame was case-hardened with a browned barrel. This 'Ring trigger' model had a full hammer after 1900. The value is accessed by condition and can be from $100 to $300. If you do extensive restorations to it, it will loose much collector value, and place it in the range of a novelty or shooter. Value could become much less. Above all else, have it checked by a competent, licensed gunsmith, before trying to shoot it. If this does not describe your shotgun, please follow up with all identifying information, especially all exact writing and spelling.
  Thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage