Help identify Iver Johnson model and year

[Monte James]

My neighbor brought this by and asked for information about it. It had
been painted black by his grandfather. With the passage of time most of it
has worn off. I removed some of what was left and found a number on the
bottom of the trigger guard "71241" and under the grip "071241". My
immediate thought was to ask in this forum due to the expertise I had seen
here before.

Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works on the top of the barrel.

It's double and single action and is automatic ejection.

What other information might I need to post?

 

[shotgun693]

There ought to be some Patent dates on it. Knowing the caliber might help. Does it have the 'safety' lever on the trigger?

 

[glowe]

Also, look for any associated letter stamped near the serial number? There were many models and all but the very earliest models had a Letter to identify. IJ mostly made one of 3 calibers, 22, 32 S&W, and 38 S&W. 32 should measure around .31" and 38 will measure around .36". Measure the front face of the cylinder.

Let us know if it is a top-break or solid frame. Does it have an exposed hammer or hammerless? Pictures would be helpful.

 

[Monte James]

Pat Aug 20 19##. The ## is not visible.
38 S&W.
And after the use of a magnifying glass the 071241 is C71241.
The trigger does push a lever at the back of it's movement at the top rear the inside of the trigger guard.
That help??

 

[glowe]

You should be looking at a 38 Safety Automatic revolver. These were top-break hammer guns with serial numbers in the "C" range. C00001 was manufactured in 1909 and the last in this series was C100,000 in 1917. C71241 was manufactured in 1912. 9500 "C" guns were produced in that year.

 

[shotgun693]

If it's still tight, with a decent bore, they are a ton of fun to shoot. Either a '0' or #1 buckshot pellet will work just for plinking. A lubed unsized .38 Spl lead bullet will increase the accuracy and range. Trail Boss was not available when I had my shooter but ought to be a great powder for reloading.

 

[Monte James]

Thank you very much.