Since there is no official manufacturer database, the "best" online tools are crowdsourced:

To get the "best" results from serial number research, you must look beyond the number itself. Here is how the experts use the database to identify a revolver:

1. Identify the Model (The "Safety Automatic") The most collected series is the Safety Automatic Revolver. These are break-top (top-break) revolvers. You must identify which "Model" you have:

2. Determine the Frame Size The database categorizes guns by frame size, which dictates the caliber:

3. Decode the Serial Number Location Depending on the model, the serial number can be found in different locations:

Since no automated search tool exists, follow this manual method:

For a quick, searchable, no-nonsense digital tool, Proofhouse.com hosts one of the best online Iver Johnson serial number databases. While not as granular as Goforth’s books, it covers the most popular models.

Proofhouse has compiled date tables for:

Why it’s among the BEST: You simply scroll to the Iver Johnson section, find your revolver type, and match your serial number to the chart. It’s clean, runs on any browser, and is completely free.

Limitation: It does not cover post-1941 models (like the Trailsman 66 or Supershot Sealed Eight). For those, you need specialized forums.

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.

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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.

Review: Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database

Introduction

The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is a valuable resource for firearms enthusiasts, collectors, and researchers. Iver Johnson, a renowned American firearms manufacturer, produced a wide range of revolvers from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. The database in question aims to provide a comprehensive catalog of serial numbers for Iver Johnson revolvers, facilitating the identification and authentication of these firearms. This review evaluates the database's features, accuracy, and usefulness.

Database Features and Interface

The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is a well-organized online resource, easily accessible via a web browser. The interface is straightforward, allowing users to search for serial numbers by model, year of manufacture, or a combination of both. The database also provides detailed information on the various Iver Johnson revolver models, including their production years, calibers, and notable characteristics.

Accuracy and Completeness

The database appears to be meticulously maintained, with a vast collection of serial numbers covering various Iver Johnson revolver models. A thorough examination of the database reveals a high level of accuracy, with most entries matching the manufacturer's historical records. However, as with any database, there may be some gaps or errors, particularly for rare or hard-to-find models.

Usefulness and Target Audience

The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is an indispensable tool for:

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Cons:

Conclusion

The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is an exceptional resource for anyone interested in Iver Johnson revolvers. Its accuracy, completeness, and ease of use make it an invaluable tool for collectors, researchers, and law enforcement. While there may be some limitations, the database remains a BEST resource for those seeking to identify, authenticate, or research Iver Johnson revolvers.

Rating: 4.5/5

Recommendation

The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is a must-visit resource for anyone involved with Iver Johnson revolvers. We highly recommend it to collectors, researchers, and law enforcement agencies seeking accurate and reliable information on these firearms.

Future Development

To further enhance the database, we suggest:

By addressing these suggestions, the Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database can continue to grow and improve, solidifying its position as the premier resource for Iver Johnson revolver enthusiasts.

The best Iver Johnson revolver serial number database is not a website but a hybrid research method:

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.

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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

Identifying the manufacture date of an Iver Johnson revolver is notoriously difficult because many official factory records no longer exist. However, by cross-referencing serial number prefixes, patent dates, and physical design changes, you can accurately narrow down your firearm's age. Where to Find the Serial Number

To get an accurate reading, you must look in three primary locations:

The Butt of the Grip: The most common location for a quick check.

The Left Side of the Grip Strap: You must remove the grips to find the full serial number, which often includes a critical letter prefix not visible on the outside.

The Bottom of the Trigger Guard: Used on various models like the Champion series.

Under the Top Strap: Visible only when the action is open and the cylinder is removed. The Iver Johnson Serial Number Database Guide

Based on W.E. Goforth’s authoritative research, the serial number's format often reveals the production era.

Finding reliable information for an Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database can be a challenge because the company's records were not maintained as centrally as major competitors like Colt or Smith & Wesson. However, by understanding the specific patterns of letter prefixes and physical frame characteristics, you can accurately date most of these "Owl’s Head" revolvers. The "True" Serial Number Location

Before checking a database, you must find the true serial number. While numbers often appear on the trigger guard or the butt of the grip, these parts were frequently replaced.

Reliable Location: Remove the left grip panel. The full serial number, including the critical letter prefix, is usually stamped directly onto the left side of the metal grip frame.

Secondary Locations: Check under the top strap (open the action and remove the cylinder) or on the bottom receiver tang. Iver Johnson Serial Number Dating Key

Iver Johnson used a system of letter prefixes to indicate the decade and specific year of production. Prefix Type Production Era No Prefix 1909 – 1919 Generally Third Model "Smokeless" frames. Single Letter 1920 – 1929 E.g., Prefix "C" often indicates 1926. Two Letters 1930 – 1939 Used for later production Safety Automatic models. All Letters 1940 – 1950

Often seen on "Champion" series shotguns and late revolvers. Identifying the Three Main "Safety Automatic" Models

The most common Iver Johnson revolvers are the Safety Automatic series (1894–1941). Identifying the "Model" is often easier than finding an exact year. Question: Iver Johnson 32 cal top break - SASS Forum

I understand the interest in tracing the history of an Iver Johnson revolver, especially given their popularity from the 1880s to the mid-20th century. However, I need to provide an important clarification upfront:

There is no official, complete, publicly searchable online database where you can simply type a serial number and instantly get the full history of an Iver Johnson revolver. Most of the company’s original production records were lost, destroyed, or never systematically digitized.

That said, collectors and researchers have compiled partial serial number references that can help date your revolver. Below is the best available guide to using those resources effectively.

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These are the most reliable, though incomplete, resources:

When researching these serial numbers, you will often encounter the phrase "Hammer the Hammer."

Iver Johnson revolvers, particularly those made before WWII, were designed for black powder cartridges. While the "Safety Automatic"

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.

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