Latest Iver Johnson revolver to find its way to the Hardin County Home for Wayward Guns. Iver Johnson made center-fire, break open, revolvers in two frame sizes: the small frame, 5 shots in .32 S&W short and the large frame, 5 shots in .38 S&W. Nickel was the most common finish with 3 inches as the most common barrel length. Not surprising, as most of them were carried in pockets or lived in sock drawers.
Somewhat uncommon, this one is blue with a 6 inch barrel, chambered in .32 S&W long, but as it was based on the large frame, the cylinder allowed for 6 shots. Produced from 1909 to 1941, the third model "Safety Automatic," continued I-J's trademark transfer bar, but introduced coil springs, a cylinder stop notch and was proofed for smokeless powder. This particular version, marketed as the ".32 Special," would have been made in the Twenties or Thirties.
Anyway, I think Iver Johnson was an innovative company in their day and attracted a number of talented Scandinavian machinists and designers to its ranks, including O.F. Mossberg and Andrew Fyrberg. Don't forget they made a well thought of bicycle then as well. It was a time when American workmen took pride in what they made.
Somewhat uncommon, this one is blue with a 6 inch barrel, chambered in .32 S&W long, but as it was based on the large frame, the cylinder allowed for 6 shots. Produced from 1909 to 1941, the third model "Safety Automatic," continued I-J's trademark transfer bar, but introduced coil springs, a cylinder stop notch and was proofed for smokeless powder. This particular version, marketed as the ".32 Special," would have been made in the Twenties or Thirties.
Anyway, I think Iver Johnson was an innovative company in their day and attracted a number of talented Scandinavian machinists and designers to its ranks, including O.F. Mossberg and Andrew Fyrberg. Don't forget they made a well thought of bicycle then as well. It was a time when American workmen took pride in what they made.
