Iver Johnson Top Break Hammerless Revolver

Question
Hello Again Charles,

Please help me identify the model name, caliber and year built. Not sure of the caliber, top break, hammerless, 5 shot cylinder, barrel length = 3.0 inches, cylinder length = 0.9375 inches, nickel finish SN: 78509 serial number is on the trigger guard, original cardboard box from the manufacturer is date stamped Dec 23, 1915 on the bottom of the box, owl face at top of both grips - owls are facing the person holding the gun (not facing the muzzle end of the barrel)top of barrel reads "Iver Johnson's Arms and Cycle Works Fitchburg, Mass"

Thanks much,

Bill Ashley

Answer
Hello again Bill Ashley.
  The length of barrel and cylinder you have provided makes it definitely a .32 S&W(not .32S&W Long).The length of the barrel for a .38 S&W was 3 1/4". Also, the length of a loaded .38 S&W is 1.240 inches and the .32 S&W is .92 inch. The serial number on the trigger guard was produced after 1904. It should have a letter preceding a serial number stamped on the left frame under the grip. This would help in establishing a closer manufacture date. If it has a safety lever on the face of the trigger, it is a 2nd Model manufactured from 1897-1908. If it does not have this safety lever, it would be a 3rd Model manufactured after 1909. In either case, it is known as the 'Safety Automatic Hammerless'. Any of these revolvers manufactured before 1909 are blackpowder only. After 1909 the use of smokeless powder began. The box you have could, very well, be the original box for this revolver when it left the factory.
  I hope this helps answer your questions and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage