Dating an Iver Johnson top break. Got a Goforth's book?

[Deavis]

I am trying to date a .38 top break, 3rd model s/n 48xxx. Property stamped "AM RW EX CO"

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[bolus]

Single or double top latch? an letter prefix on the serial number?

 

[rick benjamin]

Goforth: "the .38 S&W I have studied do not have a letter code in front of the serial number. This means that they are in a separate series of their own" (page 34)
.38SW large frame top break
3rd model aka "new model" 1909-1941, 48
Hammer or hammerless?
Grips - "Hi Hold" walnut or "Perfect" hard rubber?
Markings on rib?
Barrel length?

 

[Deavis]

It has a hammer.

It has owl head grips.

Barrel looks like 3.5"

I was only able to examine it through glass but hope to have it in my possession , at least for photos, soon.

 

[Deavis]

Single or double top latch? an letter prefix on the serial number?

Looks like a single latch I think, only one operation to get the cylinder to open.

I could not see full number,for a letter prefix, it was printed on a card.

 

[bolus]

single latch, no letter prefix are are 1894

Model 1, First Model or Old Model

Single top latch, 100'000 were produced in 1894, serial number without letter prefix, marked on the top of the barrel rib
IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS FITCHBURG. MASS.U.S.A.
PAT'D.APR.6.86.FEB.15.87.MAY 10.87.DEC.26.93 PAT'S PENDING

also remember these are 38 s&w that only shoot black powder. smokeless powder blow up the gun

https://www.buffaloarms.com/38_Smith_Wesson_Ammo_it-831095.aspx

 

[Mark W.]

I am trying to date a .38 top break, 3rd model s/n 48xxx. Property stamped "AM RW EX CO"

Well you can just ask her out right or if your a traditional guy I guess you could ask her dad if he's still alive for permission. But she sounds like shes old enough that dads permission might not be needed. Good luck

 

[Deavis]

Ok, got a better look and pulled the grips.

Serial # under grips has an H prefix.

On the butt there is a Patent date that looks like Nov 17 08

 

[bolus]

1908 was the last year. I dont see info on the H prefix though
http://www.american-firearms.com/am... Works/Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works.html

 

[rick benjamin]

1922, New Model, 3rd variation.38S&W, Large Frame, Safety Automatic Revolver

Top of barrel: *IVER JOHNSON ARMS & CYCLE WORKS*
*FITCHBURG MASS.U.S.A.*
Bottom of top strap: serial number
Bottom of trigger guard: serial number
Left side of grip strap: Serial number with letter code H
Bottom of butt strap: PAT'DNOV.17.08
PAT'S PENDING.

(changed Spl to S&W, my mistake)

 

[Deavis]

.38..... Special? Gun has no caliber marking anywhere. I assumed it was .38 S&W....

 

[rick benjamin]

My typo. 38 S&W ammo can be bought at Buffalobore
Midway, and Targetsportsusa

 

[Deavis]

Many thanks for your help!