That said, collectors and researchers have compiled partial serial number references that can help date your revolver. Below is the to using those resources effectively.
: Check under the top strap (open the action and remove the cylinder) or on the bottom receiver tang. Iver Johnson Serial Number Dating Key
Usually signifies production from 1930 to 1939 . All Letter Serial: Found on models from 1940 to 1950 . The "FITCHBURG" Code Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database BEST
On top-break models, open the action and look at the underside of the top strap above the cylinder. The Three Generations of Safety Automatic Revolvers Iver Johnson 38 S&W Model 2 safety automatic age?
: Completely redesigned to manage higher-pressure modern ammunition. The cylinder locks firmly in place when at rest instead of free-spinning. It features a robust cross-bolt top latch mechanism. That said, collectors and researchers have compiled partial
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)
: Plainly numeric, containing no letter prefix . Iver Johnson Serial Number Dating Key Usually signifies
The ultimate is the definitive tool for identifying the production year, model variation, and safety specifications of these historic American firearms. Founded in 1871, Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works mass-produced millions of affordable, innovative handguns, most famously known for their "Hammer the Hammer" safety mechanism. Because the factory repeated serial numbers across different models and manufacturing runs, deciphering your revolver's true age requires cross-referencing serial prefixes, frame styles, and internal spring types.
Iver Johnson stamped serial numbers in multiple locations on their revolvers. If you only look at the most obvious spot, you might be missing the letter prefix required for an accurate lookup.
These were adapted for smokeless powder. You can identify them by the four-pin frame construction and the fact that the "Owl" on the grip usually faces toward the barrel. 4. Quick Identification by Model Features