Iver Johnson safety revolver
Question
Can you tell me the date of manufacture for an Iver Johnson hammerless safety model, 5 shot, .38 SW revolver. The number on the frame, under the left grip is D80235. Pat Nov 17 and Pat. Pending are stamped on the bottom of the frame below the handgrips--there is no year. The barrel rib has only the name and location of the manufacturer--no numbers or dates. Thank you for the help.
Answer
Hello Gene.
The top ridge of your revolver should read : IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS FITCHBURG MASS. U.S.A. There may be a serial number on the bottom of the top strap, bottom of trigger guard and on the left side of the grip strap with a letter code of "D" prefix. Bottom of the butt strap is stamped "PAT'D. NOV.17.08 PAT'S PENDING". It should also have a coil hammer spring. If this is all correct, your revolver is a Third Model Third Variation 1918-1934.Your serial number D80235 puts it as manufactured in 1920.
I hope this answers your question and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage
J.C. higgins
pistols