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In the summer of 1987, a rusty Iver Johnson .38 S&W revolver was found inside a leather satchel in a condemned farmhouse outside of Des Moines, Iowa. The satchel also contained a faded photograph of a young man in a World War I doughboy uniform and a tattered train ticket dated April 12, 1919.
The family who found it had a mystery on their hands. Who was this soldier? Was this gun a war trophy, a service weapon, or something darker—a nightstand defender from the Prohibition era? The local police couldn't tell them. The local gun shop shrugged. "It's an old Iver Johnson," they said. "Parts are impossible to find."
That was before the Database.
The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database represents the collective effort of historians to preserve the legacy of a firearm that protected countless American homes. While the records may not be as pristine as those of high-end manufacturers, the "best" databases provide a critical roadmap. By combining serial numbers with mechanical features, collectors can turn a rusty old "safety automatic" into a verified piece of American history.
The Ultimate Guide to Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database: Unlocking the Secrets of Your Firearm
Are you a collector, enthusiast, or owner of an Iver Johnson revolver? If so, you're likely interested in learning more about your firearm's history, specifications, and value. One crucial piece of information is the serial number, which can help you identify your revolver's production date, model, and other essential details. In this article, we'll dive into the world of Iver Johnson revolver serial number databases and provide you with the best resources available.
What is an Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database?
An Iver Johnson revolver serial number database is a comprehensive collection of serial numbers and corresponding information about Iver Johnson revolvers. These databases aim to provide a reliable source for firearms enthusiasts to research and verify the authenticity and specifications of their Iver Johnson revolvers.
Why is an Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database Important?
Having access to a reliable serial number database is vital for several reasons:
The BEST Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database
After extensive research, we've identified one of the most comprehensive and reliable Iver Johnson revolver serial number databases:
Other Reliable Resources
While the Iver Johnson Arms Company Serial Number Database is an excellent resource, there are other reliable sources you can use:
How to Use an Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database
Using an Iver Johnson revolver serial number database is relatively straightforward:
Tips and Precautions
When using an Iver Johnson revolver serial number database, keep the following tips and precautions in mind:
Conclusion
The Iver Johnson revolver serial number database is an essential resource for collectors, enthusiasts, and owners of Iver Johnson firearms. By accessing a reliable database, you can unlock the secrets of your revolver's history, specifications, and value. Remember to verify the authenticity of the database and cross-check information from multiple sources. Happy researching!
Additional Resources
For further reading and research, here are some additional resources:
By following these resources and tips, you'll become an expert on Iver Johnson revolvers and be able to unlock the secrets of your firearm's history and value.
Dating an Iver Johnson revolver requires more than just a serial number; it often involves cross-referencing mechanical design with letter prefixes that the factory used to denote specific production years. Because Iver Johnson didn't use a strictly linear numbering system across all models, you must first identify your model's "variation" to find an accurate date. Where to Find the Serial Number
Iver Johnson often "hidden" serial numbers to prevent tampering. Check these three key locations: Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database BEST
The Butt: The most common location is on the bottom of the grip frame.
Under the Grip: Remove the left grip panel. The full serial number—often including a crucial letter prefix—is usually stamped on the left side of the frame.
Under the Top Strap: On top-break models, open the action and look at the frame underneath the top strap. Deciphering Serial Letter Prefixes
For many 20th-century models, the letter prefix (or lack thereof) is the primary indicator of the production era:
No Letter Prefix: Generally indicates production between 1909 and 1919.
Single Letter Prefix: Typically denotes the decade of 1920–1929.
Double Letter Prefix: Usually signifies production from 1930 to 1939. All Letter Serial: Found on models from 1940 to 1950. The "FITCHBURG" Code
Iver Johnson used a unique cipher based on their home city, FITCHBURG, to represent numbers 1 through 9. This is often found on later models like the Champion shotgun but may appear on some revolvers: Faqs - Smith & Wesson
Finding the production year of an Iver Johnson revolver requires cross-referencing serial number prefixes and mechanical features, as there is no single, central "official" database remaining since the company went out of business
. The most comprehensive data is derived from historical reconstruction, notably by researcher W.E. "Bill" Goforth. Key Serial Number Indicators
Serial number formats changed significantly over the company's production history to denote different eras and powder types. No Letter Prefix (1909–1919) : Typically indicates early 20th-century production. Single Letter Prefix (1920–1929) : Standard for revolvers and shotguns during the 1920s. Two-Letter Prefix (1930–1939) : Introduced for more varied models produced concurrently. All-Letter Serial (1940–1950) : Rare coding system used on some later models. The "FITCHBURG" Coding System
Iver Johnson famously used a "word-code" for some serializations based on their home city, Fitchburg, MA. : F=1, I=2, T=3, C=4, H=5, B=6, U=7, R=8, G=9. : A serial of "BHFI" translates to 6521. Locating the Serial Number
Numbers are often hidden to prevent tampering or located on parts that require disassembly to view.
There is no official online search engine for Iver Johnson serial numbers because the original company records are incomplete or lost . Instead, collectors rely on the book "Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Firearms 1871-1993" by William Goforth, which is widely considered the definitive database . 🔍 Where to Find Your Serial Number
Iver Johnson revolvers often have serial numbers in multiple spots. If they don't match, the number under the grip is the official one .
Bottom of the Trigger Guard: Most common visible location .
Under the Left Grip Panel: The "true" serial number is often stamped on the left side of the frame .
Under the Top Strap: Open the action and look under the latch .
Bottom of the Grip (Butt): Common on later or larger models . 📅 How to Decode the Year
Since a searchable database doesn't exist, use these indicators to narrow down the age: 1. The Owl Head Grip
Owl faces toward the barrel: 1st or 2nd Model (1894–1908). These use black powder and are unsafe with modern ammo .
Owl faces toward the butt: 3rd Model (1909–1941). These were redesigned for smokeless powder . 2. The Letter Prefix
Letters at the start of the serial number (like "Q" or "C") indicate specific production runs or years . No Prefix: Likely an early model (before 1900) .
Single Letter (e.g., "C"): Often indicates 1920s production (e.g., C = 1926) . In the summer of 1987, a rusty Iver Johnson
Two Letter Prefix: Used for later models, where each prefix has its own chronological chart . 3. Barrel Markings
Check the "fine print" on the top of the barrel. The latest patent date will give you a "no earlier than" manufacture date .
💡 Safety Warning: Most Iver Johnson revolvers found today are "Black Powder" models (pre-1909). Firing modern "Smokeless" ammunition in these can cause the gun to explode .
Help identifying an Iver Johnson revolver - Northwest Firearms
To identify the manufacture date of an Iver Johnson revolver, you can use the serial number prefix specific markings
as a guide. There is no single "magic" official database, but collectors rely on established patterns from experts like Bill Goforth Iver Johnson Serial Number Quick Guide
Iver Johnson used a specific letter-prefix system for most of the 20th century to designate production decades: No Letter Prefix: Generally manufactured between 1909 and 1919 Single Letter Prefix: Manufactured between 1920 and 1929 Two Letter Prefix: Manufactured between 1930 and 1939 All Letter Serial:
Often seen on models like the "Champion" shotgun or late revolvers, made between 1940 and 1950 How to Find Your Serial Number
If you cannot see the number on the outside of the frame, check these common locations: Bottom of the Trigger Guard: The most common external spot. Left Side of the Frame: Hidden under the left grip panel Butt of the Revolver: Stamped on the bottom of the grip frame. Key Identification Markers Black Powder vs. Smokeless: Examine the mainspring flat leaf spring
usually indicates an early black powder model (pre-1909), while a coil mainspring indicates a 3rd Model designed for smokeless powder. Owl Head Grips: If the owl on the grip is facing toward the barrel , it is often an earlier model; facing can indicate later production. Patent Dates: Check the top of the barrel. Dates like "PAT'D NOV. 17.08"
are typical for 3rd Model Safety Automatic revolvers produced between 1909 and 1941 Top Resources for Collectors
For the most accurate data, collectors recommend these specialized sources:
This is a report on the Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database, focusing on what is available, its limitations, and how to best use serial numbers to date and identify these popular American top-break and solid-frame revolvers.
If you are holding a top-break, hammerless, or solid-frame revolver stamped with the iconic "Iver Johnson" name, you are holding a piece of American industrial history. For over 80 years, Iver Johnson’s Arms & Cycle Works of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, produced some of the most popular and affordable firearms in the United States. From "The Owl Head" to the famous "Safety Automatic" models, these revolvers are beloved by collectors, Cowboy Action shooters, and historians.
However, for the average owner, one question looms larger than all others: How old is my Iver Johnson revolver, and where can I find the BEST Iver Johnson revolver serial number database?
Unlike Smith & Wesson or Colt, Iver Johnson’s records have been incomplete, scattered, and often lost to factory fires and corporate closures. But don’t despair. This guide will walk you through the most accurate, vetted, and comprehensive resources available—the BEST databases that collectors trust.
If you find an old Iver Johnson revolver—in a dusty drawer, an estate sale, or a pawn shop—don’t guess. Don’t listen to the Fudd lore at the gun counter.
Open the database.
Enter the serial.
And watch a forgotten piece of American working-class history come back to life.
Because every number has a story. The database just tells you how to read it.
End of story.
Want actual lookup instructions or known serial ranges for a real Iver Johnson you own? Let me know the markings, and I’ll help you decode it.
The value of a serial number database goes beyond simple curiosity; it ensures safety and value.
The best Iver Johnson revolver serial number database is not a website but a hybrid research method: The BEST Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database
No automated database is authoritative. If you need a date for a specific revolver, provide photos, patent dates, serial number, and caliber to the Iver Johnson subforum on Gunboards — experts there will give you the most accurate possible estimate.
Need help with a specific Iver Johnson revolver? Provide the following for a free estimate:
A Comprehensive Resource for Iver Johnson Revolver Owners
If you're a collector or owner of an Iver Johnson revolver, having access to a reliable serial number database is crucial for determining the production date, model, and authenticity of your firearm. After researching various options, I found that the Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is an excellent resource that stands out from the rest.
Pros:
What sets it apart:
Verdict:
The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is an invaluable resource for anyone who owns or collects Iver Johnson revolvers. Its comprehensive data, ease of use, and accuracy make it the best database available for determining the production date, model, and authenticity of your firearm. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a new owner, this database is a must-have tool for ensuring that you have a thorough understanding of your Iver Johnson revolver.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Recommendation:
If you're in the market for a reliable and comprehensive Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database, look no further. This database is the best available resource for collectors and owners, and I highly recommend it.
Identifying and dating Iver Johnson revolvers is a specialized task because official company records are incomplete. The most comprehensive "database" for collectors is found in Bill Goforth's book, Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Firearms 1871-1993, which contains the most accurate serial number lists and design evolution charts available. 1. Locate the Serial Number
The location of the serial number often helps determine the model and era: Grip Strap (Butt): Standard location for many models.
Under the Grips: Often found on the left side of the grip frame. Trigger Guard: Sometimes stamped on the bottom. Top Strap: Occasionally duplicated under the top strap. 2. Identify the Era by Serial Format
General rules of thumb for dating based on serial number prefixes:
No Letter Prefix: Typically manufactured between 1909 and 1919.
Single Letter Prefix: Generally indicates a manufacture date between 1920 and 1929 (e.g., "C" often corresponds to 1926).
Two Letter Prefix: Usually manufactured between 1930 and 1939.
All Letter Serial Number: Commonly produced between 1940 and 1950. 3. Use the "FITCHBURG" Decoding Key
For certain shotgun and revolver models (especially the "Champion" line), Iver Johnson used a letter-based code to represent numbers, based on the name of the city where they were based: FITCHBURG. F=1, I=2, T=3, C=4, H=5, B=6, U=7, R=8, G=9. 4. Safety Warning: Black Powder vs. Smokeless Knowing the production year is critical for safety. Iver Johnson Revolver Year & Info: Expert Q&A Guide
Iver Johnson serial numbers are not universal across models. You must first identify:
| Generation | Years Produced | Key Features | |------------|----------------|---------------| | 1st Model (Safety Automatic) | 1894–1896 | No trigger guard, spur trigger. | | 2nd Model | 1896–1908 | Trigger guard, leaf mainspring, round firing pin. | | 3rd Model | 1909–1941 | Coil mainspring, flat hammer spring, hammer block safety. |
A 3rd Model with a hammer block safety is often marked on the left side of the barrel.
| If you want... | Use this database... | | --- | --- | | The most accurate, scholarly year | Bill Goforth’s tables (via Internet Archive or PDF) | | A quick online lookup without downloading | Proofhouse.com | | Real human help with photos | Iver Johnson Collectors Facebook Group | | To see what others own with similar serials | GunValuesBoard.com | | Parts and repair instructions | Numrich Gun Parts (serial number helps ID the exact model) |
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