To identify the manufacture date of an Iver Johnson revolver, you can use the serial number prefix specific markings
The single best resource is not a free website, but a book. is the undisputed bible on the subject. Before he passed away, Mr. Goforth created the definitive source, complete with thousands of serial numbers, model photos, and detailed histories. For serious collectors or those with a valuable family heirloom, this book is worth its weight in gold.
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.
Unlocking the Past: A Guide to the Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database BEST
| Resource | Type | Strength | |----------|------|-----------| | Goforth’s book / serial charts | Printed/PDF | Most complete known data | | Iver Johnson Forum (Firearms Forum) | Online discussion | Real owner data points | | Gun Values Board (Iver Johnson section) | Online | Active collectors | | YouTube (dating guides) | Video | Visual identification help | | Auction archives (Rock Island, Gunbroker) | Database | Compare serials of sold guns |
This is widely considered the "Bible" for Iver Johnson collectors. Because Iver Johnson changed their naming conventions, frame sizes, and mechanisms frequently (especially between the First, Second, and Third Models), a simple serial number list is often inaccurate without the context of the physical features of the gun.
To get the best result, follow this protocol using the resources above: To identify the manufacture date of an Iver
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 that collectors trust.
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
Best-practice workflow for adding new data These databases aim to provide a reliable source
His method was brutal and beautiful:
Help identifying an Iver Johnson revolver - Northwest Firearms
Frequently features a single letter prefix followed by 4 or 5 digits. Dating by Letter Prefix (Approximate): Prefix A-E: Early to mid-1910s. Prefix F-M: Late 1910s-1920s. Prefix N-Z: Late 1920s-1930s. 3. Letter Prefixes and Production Years (1920s–1930s)