Iver Johnson Target Model 55 Information

Question
QUESTION: I have what I believe is an early Iver Johnson Target Model 55.  The serial number (I hope) that I have is stamped on the bottom of the trigger guard and reads C10198.  It is a nine-shot cylinder and looks to be .22.  I'm not sure if it would take .22 short, long, or magnum.  I does not have a loading gate and the owl on the right side grip is looking straight back at you.

The top strap over the cylinder is marked:

IVER JOHNSON TARGET MOD. 55 PAT. PEND.
(blank space)
I. J.A. & C. WKS.
FITCHBURG. MASS. U.S.A.

Any information you have is much appreciated, especially around manufacture date, history, safety, and value.

Thank you!

ANSWER: Hello Dan.
  With the information you have given me, I can only conclude that your Iver Johnson revolver is not what it may seem. Yes, your revolver frame is an Iver Johnson Target Mod.55 .22 RF. It was not manufactured in .22 WMR (.22 magnum). It was manufactured with an 8-shot cylinder, only. The 9-shot .22 RF. revolver, manufactured by Iver Johnson, was the Double Action Solid Frame I.J. Target Models 69 (6" barrel) and Model 79 (10" barrel). These were manufactured from 1929 through 1941. The Model 55 was manufactured from 1955-1960. It actually came with Tenite grips with a thumb-rest. The grips you describe came on the Model 55A .38 S&W caliber, which has the same size frame. As for the safe use of this revolver, that can only be determined by a qualified licensed gunsmith. Values are in relation to condition and demand. At this time .22 caliber revolvers are bringing good prices. An Iver Johnson Model 55 should be in the $100-$150 range. Again, the Model 55 did not come equipped with a 9-shot cylinder.
  I hope this answers your questions, and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage

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

QUESTION: Very interesting.  I want to add one point.  The grips that I have on this gun are, I believe, the Tenite grips with the thumb rest - the owl head looking back at you.  I believe the grips are correct for the Model 55.  If this point is confusing, I'm happy to post a photo or two.

So, it would seem as though it started life as a normal Model 55 and along the way someone replaced the original 8-shot cylinder with a nine-shot one from an older I.J. revolver.

Thanks again!

Answer
Hello, again, Dan.
  Yes, I would be very interested in the picture of the grips. As for a cylinder change, it is not as easy as dropping in a replacement, especially changing from an 8 shot to a 9. The changes would not be simple. I still recommend the advice of a gunsmith. I suggest doing some research on what is referred to as 'timing' of a revolver, and the necessary part it plays in the safe firing of it. Thank you,again. Charles Gage