Iver Johnson Top Break Safety Revolvers Explained By Girard Henrofin feedIver Johnson Top Break Safety Revolvers Explained by Girard Henrotin Dismounting of the safety automatic “Hammerless” revolver (I - Dismounting of the cylinder - Disassembling of the cylinder’s components Dismounting of the safety automatic “Hammerless” revolver (II - Dismounting of the barrel assembly - Disassembly of the hinge components - Re-assembly tip - Dismounting of the barrel latch - Dismounting of the cylinder arbor tension spring Dismounting of the safety automatic “Hammerless” revolver (Ill) - Dismounting of the grip plates and main spring - Dismounting of the frame cover and hammer - Re-assembly tip - Dismounting of the trigger guard Dismounting of the safety automatic “Hammerless” revolver (III) - Dismounting of the trigger spring - Dismounting of the trigger assembly - Dismounting of the firing pin Functioning of the safety automatic “Hammerless" revolver {l - The frame locking principle - Automatic ejection of the cartridges - Detailed functioning of the extractor cam Functioning of the safety automatic “Hammerless” revolver ill} - Functioning of the trigger safety - Functioning of the trigger assembly - Lifting of the hammer - Instant of firing - Cylinder stop Early production of the top break safety automatic revolver - Iver Johnson enterprise -J. P. Lovell Arms Co. - First Model of the "Hammerless" Safety Automatic line - Markings and serial numbers Serial numbers by year (large and small frame Hammer & Hammerless) - A. Fyrberg cylinder retainer Safety automatic revolvers of the second model - Particulars of the second model | numbers by year large frame Hammer & Hammerless | numbers by year small frame Hammer & Hammerless - Serial number location - Address and patent markings location - Address and patent changes Safety automatic revolvers of the third model - Upgrade to smokeless powder - Most visible changes - Mechanical changes - Serial numbers by year large frame Hammer & Hammerless - Serial numbers by year small frame Hammer & Hammerless - Address and patent markings location - Address and patent changes Functioning of the third model safety automatic “Hammer” revolver - Functioning of the new cylinder stop - Firing in single action made with the Hammer model - Firing in double action mode with the Hammer model The safety automatic revolve! caliber .22 RE - Mechanical differences - Serial numbers hy year - Optional accessories for the safety automatic revolver line - Charles C. Bourne KnuckledusterDismounting of the Iver Johnson safety automatic "Hammerless" revolver O Iver Johnson "Hammerless" (concealed hammer) revolver Second model - small frame - caliber .32 SW- serial # B65584 (1901) Blue finish - Mother of Pearl grip plates (both at extra cost) The Iver Johnson "Hammerless” revolver can be found in three basic models. The gun used for disassembling purpose in this publication is of the second model. Second and third models are externally almost identical if we except the trigger safety (covered by Patent #339301 dated April 6, 1886) that was cancelled in the third model. Note that the third model is the only one of this line to be intended to shoot cartridges loaded with smokeless powder. As a result, many changes occurred to strengthen the gun. By chance, this revolver was found in an almost "out of the box" state. Most probably initially sold in Belgium or France through one of those firearms catalogs of the early 20th century, it was left practically untouched for more than 100 years crossing my way at a Belgian collectors meeting. - Dismounting of the cylinder Raising of the barrel latch Being a top-break revolver, the dismounting of the cylinder begins with the opening of the gun. This can be accomplished by slightly raising the locking latch located at the end of the barrel extension as shown above. The latch, in the second and third models, has a checkered thumb area on each side of the gun to allow for a better grip. Once the latch is unlocked, the barrel rotates around it axis, and is disengaged from the frame double-post on which its rear extension was attached. Note that the forward end of the barrel latch is emerging above the barrel extension, and was cut with a V notch to be used as rear sight. Unscrewing the cylinder When the gun is fully open, seize the cylinder and, while exerting a slight rearward pull to engage the threaded portion of its bushing in the helical track of the barrel frame, begin to rotate the cylinder counter-clockwise until fully detached from the barrel frame. This cylinder retaining principle (threaded bushing) was patented in 1887 by J. C. Howe (Patent #357710) - Disassembling of the cylinder's components The cylinder carries the extractor assembly which is composed of three elements (extractor stem, spring, extractor). The extractor stem may be unscrewed and detached from the extractor. Use a soft-jawed (padded) smooth pliers to start the unscrewing counter-clockwise. Once the stem is removed, the extractor may be freely removed from its seating in the cylinder. The extractor stem has a pentagonal section. Note that one of the extractor limbs has its extremity notched. When re-installing the extractor, this notch must match a corresponding profile in the cylinder seating.Dismounting of the Iver Johnson safety automatic "Hammerless" revolver (i) - Dismounting of the barrel assembly The barrel is attached to the frame through a large screw that crosses the barrel and frame joint. After removal of this large screw, the barrel can be detached from the frame. - Disassembly of the hinge components Removal of the ejector cam Once the barrel assembly has been detached from the frame, the ejector cam can be extracted from its housing inside the barrel hinge. Extractor cam - bushing - leaf spring Be careful when detaching the small folded leaf spring that could be easily lost. Note also how the leaf spring is installed as it is easy to forget this detail and reassemble the spring the wrong way. - Re-assembly tip The extractor cam is a small part, but the bushing and leaf spring are tiny parts. If the re-assembling of the bushing is accomplished without much difficulties, it is not the same with the spring that can be very easy lost in the process. So the better is to work inside a transparent plastic bag. Beveled lower edge Sharp lover edge Also note that the extractor cam has one side with the lower edge of the spring housing beveled to help the re-assembling of the leaf spring. So do not forget to chose this side. - Dismounting of the barrel latch The barrel latch is retained by a screw that crosses the barrel extension. Remove this screw and slide the latch rearwards. When the latch is removed, one can see a plunger that emerges from its housing. This plunger, which is powered by a coil spring nested in the bottom of the dead hole, bolts the latch when this later is released. The forward face of the latch, which is slanted, matches the counter-slanted profile of the plunger. - Dismounting of the cylinder arbor tension spring The cylinder arbor carries a narrow leaf spring that exerts a certain amount of tension on the cylinder axial hole in order to smooth, and somewhat “homogenize”, the rotation. This leaf spring can be removed by lifting its rear extremity, and pulling it rearwards.Dismounting of the Iver Johnson safety automatic "Hammerless" revolver (Ill) - Dismounting of the grip plates and main spring To access the main spring, the grip plates must be first removed. This is done easily by unscrewing the screw that goes through both plates. In our gun the grip plates were made from blocs Mother of Pearl. Those plates, as the blue finish, was available at extra cost. When the grip plates are removed, one can have access to the main spring. The main spring is loosely retained by its foot nested into a slot machined in the bottom of the handle frame. Just slip the main spring's foot laterally, until it is fully disengaged from its retaining recess in the handle frame. - Dismounting of the frame cover and hammer In this model, the hammer is totally enclosed into the frame "box". Above the hammer, the frame has an opening that is closed by a dovetailed cover. To access the hammer, the cover must be first removed. It is retained by a cross pin that has to be drifted out. Note that in the gun on hand, the retaining pin was So loose that it could be pushed out without any effort with the tip of a punch. When the cross pin has been removed, pull the cover rearwards out of the frame. Now that the frame is open, the hammer can be dismounted. The first step being to remove the pivot screw of the hammer. Once the pivot screw is removed, the hammer can be extracted by the top opening of the frame. The hammer does not come that easily, as it is retained by the hook of the “transfer bar" or lifter (red circle in the drawing above). Consequently it may be necessary to first push the hammer a little downwards to get it disengaged from the lifter, before being able to extract it out of the frame. - Re-assembly tip When the trigger assembly is re-installed inside the frame, the lifter is pushed toward the rear by the hand leaf spring. This rear positioning of the lifter prevents the hammer to be properly introduced into the frame as its bottom hits the tip of the lifter. The risk, if you pursue, is to eventually get the lifter below the hammer instead of in front of it. To help the re-introducing of the hammer with the lifter well positioned in front of the hammer, as shown in the drawing above, just push the lifter with an appropriate tool toward the front when you slide the hammer inside the frame. - Dismounting of the trigger guard The trigger guard is retained at it front end by a vertical screw that goes down through the inside front of the frame, while the rear end is retained by a transversal cross pin. Remove the front screw, and drift out the rear cross pin. Then you can detach the trigger guard from the frame.Dismounting of the Iver Johnson safety automatic "Hammerless" revolver (III) - Dismounting of the trigger spring When the trigger guard is dismounted, the first part to remove is the trigger spring, which is nested into the frame recess ahead of the trigger. Note that the trigger spring is slightly curved, and that the curve must be oriented toward the top when re-installing the spring. - Dismounting of the trigger assembly Left face and right face of the trigger assembly The whole trigger assembly is retained by a cross pin (red arrow above). Drift out this pin and pull the trigger downwards until the trigger and all the other parts attached are extracted from the frame. First, detach the cylinder hand from its axial pin. The cylinder hand carries a tiny leaf spring whose rear limb bears against a stud integral with the hammer lifter. The axial pin (red arrow above) of both the cylinder hand and hammer lifter must be removed now to free the lifter. The pin is loosely installed, and consequently is easily pulled off. Remains now attached the trigger safety. Drift out its retaining cross pin, and remove the safety out of the trigger slot. Be careful to not lose the tiny coil spring of the safety. - Dismounting of the firing pin The firing pin is enclosed inside a tunnel whose opening, in the breech face, is closed by a bushing. Removal of this threaded bushing requires a special twin- pointed tool that was not on hand. A makeshift tool can always be tried but if not of the correct dimension it can damage the bushing dismounting holes. So the firing pin was left in place. Parts legend - Early "Hammer" Model 1 |Barrelassembly | 19 | Sear spring Barrel latch 7 4 2 Screw. 20 | Trigger spring 3 | Barrel latch 21 ‘| Trigger guard pin 4 | Barrel latch 22 |Hammer screw spring cover Barrel latch 3 3 spring 23° «(| Lifter 6 | Extractor stem 24 | Trigger Cylinder friction 7 spring 25 |Hand 8 |Extractor spring | 26 | Hand spring 9 | Cylinder 27 =| Trigger pin 10 Extractor 28 |Hinge screw 11 | Hammer 29 | Firing pin ss | Trigger guard 12 Main spring 30 Screw. 13 | Right grip plate 31 ‘| Firing pin spring 14 Frame 32 | Firing pin bushing 15 | Trigger guard 33 | Extractor spring 16 | Left grip plate 34 =| Extractor busing 17 | Grip screw 35 | Extractor cam 18) SearFunctioning of the lver Johnson safety automatic "Hammerless" revolver @ - Opening of the frame As shown previously, this kind of gun has a hinged barrel that is opened by unlatching it. Roughly speaking, two types of barrel latches are encountered in the Iver Johnson top-break revolvers. Early models have a barrel extension with one single hole that enters and surrounds an unique frame post. The latch is operated through a thumb area located on the left side. Frame double locking post Barrel latch seen from above Starting with the second model, the barrel extension was locked upon two frame vertical posts, and the latch had a thumb checkered area on each side of the gun. The frame locking principle is quite simple. The latch, that rotates about its axis screw, can be raised to free the barrel extension from the frame locking posts. The forward face of the latch has a slanted profile that matches the same slanted counter-profile of a spring-powered plunger. When the latch is raised (rotated), its forward tip bears against the plunger that is obliged to recoil in its tunnel. When the frame is opened, the latch may be released, and remain such when the frame is closed. Upon re-locking, the latch is automatically raised by the frame profile. - Automatic ejection of the cartridges The frame is generally opened to withdraw the case of cartridges that were fired and, or, to fill the cylinder with new cartridges. As to the cartridge cases ejection, this type of gun is equipped with star shaped collective extractor that is automatically raised at the end of the barrel rotation. Extractor cam The raising of the extractor at the end of the barrel rotation is realized by a caming system whose master part, the extractor cam, is located into the frame hinge. Note that the extractor cam is not perfectly circular. As a result it can move slightly (red double arrow) inside the space where it is confined inside the knuckle. When the barrel is closed, a tiny leaf spring (blue color above) exerts some pressure on the inside wall of the extractor cam that obliges this latter to move downwards (blue arrow). When the barrel is progressively opened, nothing happens until the stop notch of the extractor cam encounters the forward edge of the frame (red circle above). At this point, the extractor cam is blocked in its rotation. The extractor cam was rotated by the push of the forward end of the extractor stem (blue circle above). From then on, any supplemental rotation of the barrel will immediately induce a progressive raising of the extractor. The extractor and its cam becoming some kind of bound group that is blocked by the forward edge of the frame. Central inner abutment for the extractor coil return spring During all the raising of the extractor, the coil spring located around its stem is compressed against the inner central abutment of the cylinder (red arrow above), and consequently exerts an increasing pressure on the "hook" of the extractor cam. When the barrel has been almost totally rotated, its under wedge (blue circle above) is progressively reaching the forward edge of the frame. This move squeeze the extractor cam which is raised (red arrow) into the knuckle internal empty space. This upwards move of the extractor cam is done against the tension of its tiny folded leaf spring. Extractor released and extractor cam rotated inside the knuckle When the barrel is fully rotated, the extractor cam is no longer supported by the frame forward edge. As it is under the heavy pressure of the cylinder coil spring, it rotates quickly inside the knuckle, and the extractor drops back into the cylinder recess. If the cylinder is loaded, the cartridges cases are raised almost totally out of the chambers. When the extractor drops back into its recess, the shells are left partly unsupported. Provided the gun is slightly slanted, the shells will fall out of the cylinder. English Webley revolver Source: Webley Service Revolvers ebook by Gérard Henrotin In such revolvers as the famous English Webley line for instance, the shells are completely removed from the chambers when the extractor is pushed at its higher position. So, when the extractor snaps back into the cylinder recess, the cases are left totally in the open, and the chances are feeble that they drop back into the chambers, even if the gun is not slanted.Functioning of the lver Johnson safety automatic "Hammerless"™ revolver (il) - Functioning of the trigger safety The second model "Hammerless", as well as the first model, carries a trigger Safety that was eventually not retained in the third model, which was adapted to more powerful smokeless cartridges. This safety mechanism is very straightforward as to its working. It is a mere articulated lever that is embedded in the trigger thumb area, and fastened with a cross pin. When the trigger is depressed by the shooter, the safety is rotated upwards, and the trigger may be fully pulled towards the rear. One could wonder about the usefulness of such safety that it is immediately deactivated when simply pulling on the trigger. But this safety may be very positive when Childs are concerned as they generally they don't pull the trigger on its middle but rather on its extremity to get better leverage. By so doing the safety lever is left untouched, and remains fully active by blocking the trigger against the trigger guard edge (blue circle). - Functioning of the trigger assembly Trigger assembly The trigger carries no less than three articulated components, including the safety. Those who are directly concerned by the firing of the gun are the cylinder hand (green color), and the hammer lifter (yellow color). The cylinder hand (sometimes also called pawl) is not a novelty. Itis present in all classical revolvers. Its duty is always the same: to rotate the cylinder in order to get a new chamber perfectly aligned with the barrel at each shot. Cylinder hand engaging one of the ratchet notches To do so, its upper tip engages a notch (black circle above) of the ratchet (that is integral with the extractor in this gun), and when the trigger is pulled, the hand's tip forces the ratchet (and consequently the cylinder) to rotate. Trigger and hammer lifter The "Hammerless" model functions in double-action mode only. The hammer has no cock notch, nor safety notch, for those two notches can only be used if the hammer can be operated through a spur that projects out of the frame. By definition, “Hammerless" models (which actually means here: “enclosed hammer") have no spur on the hammer. Hammer at rest with trigger released All the hammer operation is conducted through the lifter (yellow color) that is attached to the trigger. The lifter has a rear profile with several cuts that were machined to match corresponding cuts on the hammer breast. Initially the trigger is at rest, and the lifter is engaged into the hammer cuts as shown above. The lifter is constantly pushed against the hammer breast through the leaf spring attached to the back of the cylinder hand. You can note that the hammer at rest is unable to reach, or even touch, the firing pin. The hammer is resting against the frame wall. This is a striking characteristic of this line of guns that made it so popular, as one of the safest revolvers ever offered on the market. In order to clarify the scene, the cylinder and the hand have now been removed. But it is understood that any upper move of the trigger also induces a corresponding move of those two parts, now suppressed of the drawing. Lifting of the hammer As shown in the drawing above, as soon as the trigger starts its rotation, the lower notch of the lifter encounters the lower edge of the hammer (red circle). The hammer is then pushed, and starts its own rotation. This is done against the heavy tension of the main spring located in the handle. The lifter rotates the hammer until the end of its engagement with hammer notch (red circle above). At this point, the hammer begins to fly towards the front, while the lifter is still pushed upwards by the trigger, which remains under the shooter's finger heavy pressure. When the hammer falls on the firing pin, the lifter is on its way, and consequently the hammer violently strike the lifter instead of the firing pin. Note that the hammer's head was slotted to accommodate the lifter in its high position. Should the lifter be broken at its upper tip, and the hammer would be totally unable to ever reach the firing pin. The picture above shows the different parts at the instant of firing. The firing pin is pushed by the lifter (acting here as a transfer bar) under the blow of the hammer. Also note the cylinder stop (red circle) that has engaged one of the cylinder's locking cuts to prevent any wrong alignment, of the chamber with the barrel. This type of cylinder stop, integral with the trigger, is active only when the trigger is fully pulled. Otherwise the cylinder remains freewheeling.Early production of the top break safety automatic revolver -Iver Johnson enterprise Born in a farmer family at Nordfjord, Norway in 1841, Iver Johnson began his apprenticeship as gunsmith in Bergen, Norway at the age of 16. In 1863, he immigrated to the United States of America where he was hired by Allen & Wheelock Co. He met there Martin Bye that had to be his future business partner. Martin Bye and Iver Johnson set up their own enterprise in 1871 at Worchester, Massachusetts, under the name of Johnson & Bye Gunsmiths. Their partnership ended in 1883. Iver Johnson Derringer in caliber .22 (no specific marking) Together they manufactured small personal defense handguns (the early ones being .22 derringers like the sample shown above), but they also complemented their incomes by producing other hard wares like for instance leg irons, and handcuffs, for the police trade. Iver Johnson handcuff eer Johnso® Sporting Geode g. LICE EQUIPM ENTs ee Hendeutis. toy Paton a, Iver Johnson Wholesale prices circa 1900-1910 Source : joesalter.com From the beginning of their enterprise they relied on J. P. Lovell Arms Co. in Boston, to commercialize their entire production. An exclusive agreement was signed with that firm, that extended until the death of Iver Johnson in 1895. Wholesale Prices eo on Sworting Goods Oe EROM a Iver Johnson By 1900, the J. P. Lovell Arms Co. was eventually purchased by Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works. The name of the company was then changed to Iver Johnson Sporting Goods, and they began sold a wide range of sporting goods, as well as arms from other manufacturers. Now back to the top-break safety automatic revolver line. In 1891, Iver Johnson moved its plant to Fitchburg, Massachusetts, where they remained until 1975. Consequently all of the safety automatic revolvers have that address in their markings. The production of those guns lasted from 1894 to 1941, and some 4 to 6 million pieces were produced. Useless to say that it was a tremendous commercial success. All the most when considering that this success never benefited from government contracts. Those top break revolvers did not born from scratch. Some years earlier, Iver Johnson had already manufactured such type of revolver for J. P. Lowell to be sold through their mail order business. Those guns were listed in the 1890 Lowell catalog under the name of "Hammerless Automatic" and "Swift" revolver. The Hammerless version being the only one to carry a safety lever in the trigger. For sake of clarity we can split the lver Johnson top break safety automatic revolver in two major lines: The "Hammer" line fitted with an exposed spur hammer, and the "Hammerless" line, whose spurless hammer was totally enclosed in the frame. Each of these sub-lines being themselves divided in two sub-categories related to the frame size (large and small frame) devoted to different cartridge calibers. First Model of the "Hammer" line First Model of the "Hammerless" line As this publication is mainly devoted to the Hammerless version, we will follow the path of this version from the beginning to the end of production in 1941. It must be said however that the Hammerless version was derived from the Hammer version which was the first to be produced in late 1893, or early 1894. The Hammerless version followed several months later. - First Model of the "Hammerless" Safety Automatic line As said before, two frame sizes were available since the beginning of the production. The large frame was initially devoted to the .38 SW cartridge (In 1909 the third large frame model was also available in .32 Special / .32 S.W. Long), while the small frame was firing the .32 S.W. (note that about 1896 a new caliber .22 RF was available in the Hammer and Hammerless model in small frame). Both cartridges were loaded with black powder. The Large frame was about 0,5 inch larger in height and length than the small frame. First model Hammerless fitted with a 5 inch barrel and blue finish The standard barrel length was 3 1/4 Inches but optional barrel lengths of 2, 3, 3, 1/2, 4 , 5 and 6 inches were also available. The standard finish was Nickel plating, but blue finish was available at extra cost, as well as other types of grip plates (Mother of Pearl and Ivory). Frame single post of the barrel latch The first model, be it "Hammer" or "Hammerless", can be rather easily spotted by its type of barrel latch, whose lever is located on the left side of the barrel extension. The barrel extension has a square hole at its extremity which, on closure, engages a single top post integral with the frame. The locking lever axis passes through the barrel extension from left to right, and is rotated upwards to unlock the gun. Trigger safety in first Hammerless model Note that the first "Hammerless" model, contrarily to its "Hammer" brother, was carrying a trigger safety. A safety that was already available in the Lowell "Swift" revolver. Frame cover The "Hammerless" version was initially based on the same frame as the one used for the regular "Hammer" model. Instead of tooling up to produce a specific frame, a mere shroud, or cover, was designed to close the upper opening of the standard frame. - Markings and serial numbers ——_—. re The first model is marked on the barrel top strap with the name, and address, of the firm and a series of patent dates. IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS. FITCHBURG MASS. USA PAT'D APR. 6. 86. FEB. 15. 87. MAY 10. 87. DEC. 26. 93. PAT'S PENDING Before the death of Iver Johnson, in the early production of the "Hammer" model, one can find at the same location: IVER JOHNSON & CO. FITCHBURG MASS. USA PAT'D APR. 6. 86. DEC. 26. 93. PAT'S PENDING Serial B3115 - Production of 1896 In this first model, the serial number was struck on the bottom of the butt strap, but also on the underside of the barrel rear extension, and on the upper front of the trigger guard. Serial numbers by year (estimations) Main source: W.E. Goforth Year Caliber .32 Caliber .32 Caliber .38 Caliber .38 Hammer Hammerless Hammer Hammerless 1894 1- 100000 1- 100000 1- 100000 1-100000 1895 1- 100000 1- 100000 1- 100000 1- 100000 A1 - A050000* 1396 1- 100000 B1 -B100000 A050001 - 1- 100000 A100000** * Serial number struck on the butt strap ** Serial number struck on the left side of the grip frame Also note that in the early production the cylinder was retained on its arbor by a hook (red color in the patent drawing below) projecting down from the barrel extension. The releasing of the cylinder was obtained by pushing on a button located on the left side of the barrel extension (blue color below). This cylinder retainer was covered by patent #566399 granted to |. Johnson & A. Fyrberg, and shown below. After a short period the cylinder retaining system was changed to the one depicted previously in the dismounting section. This new retaining system, characterized by a short threading on the forward end of the cylinder bushing, was covered by patent #357710 granted to J.C. Howe, and shown at the end of this chapter. 1. JOHNSON & A. FYRBERG. LATCH FOR RETAINING CYLINDERS ON SPINDLES. No. 566,399. Patented Aug. 25, 1896, J. 0. HOWE, REVOLVING FIRE ARM. No. 857,710, Patented Feb, 15, 1887. FIS.2. 1s .3.Safety automatic revolvers of the second madel The second model is characterized by a new type of barrel latch. The former latch was certainly more than sufficient when a mild cartridge as the .32 S.W. black powder was concerned, but it proved to be too weak for the .38 S.W. The new latch of T shape, and double locking frame post, was copied on designs already in use by other producers of the same type of gun. The new barrel latch was first installed in the large frame .38 caliber guns, both in "Hammer" and "Hammerless" version, from 1895 on. The same change occurred only in 1897 for the small frame .32 caliber models. Otherwise, all the internal mechanics remained the same as the first model. Early second model in caliber .32 S.W. with initial frame and shroud Second model "Hammerless” - serial number B547xx (1899) As to the "Hammerless" version, it must be noted that the frame shroud was used until about 1899/90, when a brand new frame was adopted with a smaller dovetailed cover. The second model, be it of "Hammer" or "Hammerless” type is the most common of the Safety Automatic revolver. The small differences between the variations of this model relate to the place where markings are struck. As to the serial number it must be known that it was started over again each time 100,000 was reached. Starting from 1896 a letter code was added to the serial number. What is a little bit confusing is that the letter code was sometimes re-used some years later. For instance in 1900, the letter code was the same as the one used when initiating this new system of serialization in 1896 or 1897 following the model. So, several guns of the same model may be found with the same serial number, and to precisely determine the year of manufacture, other elements as the address and patents location must be taken into account. Estimations of the serial numbers by year of the second model large frame Main source: W.E. Goforth Caliber .33 Caliber .38 Hammer Hammerless 1895, 1-100000 1- 100000 Year Notes Letter code added to the 1896) C1-C50000 D1-D100000 cerial number 50001 - 1897, Sx9a000 D1 -D33000 1898| G1-G50000 | D33001 - D66500 G50001 - 1899 Giooo00 | 266501 - D100000 1900 — D1 + 033000 _| New frame Introduced with a 1901 Crngoog | 933001- De6s00 smaller cover 1902, G1-G100000 | D66501 -D100000 Cylinder hand leaf spring changed to wire Serial number on trigger guard bottom face 1903) 11-1100000 J1 - J33000 1904 M1-M50000 | J33001 - J66500 150001 - 1100000 1906 Q1-Q100000 R1-R33000 1907, 1T1-T50000 R33001 - R66500 1905 J66501 - 100000 T50001 - 1908 T100000 R66501 - R100000 Modification of the cylinder hand spring by 1903 Left : former leaf spring - Right : new wire spring Estimations of the serial numbers by year of the second model small frame Main source: W.E. Goforth Caliber .32 Caliber .32 Year) “Hammer Hammerless Bates 1895 - - 1896 . . A50001 - Letter code added to the 1897) a190000 B1-B100000 | Serial number 1898 E1-E100000 B1 -B50000 New frame introduced with a 1899 F1-F100000 | B50001 -B100000 smaller cover 1900, A1-A100000 B1- B33000 1901, E1-E100000 | B33001 - Bé6000 1902, F1-F50000 | B66001 -B100000 F50001 - Cylinder hand leaf spring 1903 100000 H1-H100000 | changed to wire Serial number on trigger guard bottom face 1904, K1-K100000 L1 -L100000 1905, N1-N100000 01 - 050000 1906) P1-P100000 | 050001-0100000 1907, $1-S50000 U1 -U50000 $50001 - 1908 $100000 U50001 - U100000 Location of the serial number and other markings - Serial number location Serial Address | Patents Mear ees location /location 195 @@@ © @ 16 @@@ 2 © 7 @0@ 2 @ 22 @@@ 2 ® 00 @@@ 2 0 @@@ 2 @® 01 @@8 2 @ 2 @@8@ 2 @ 1903 @@@ 2 82 1904 @@@ aa* @ 19005 @@@ aa2* @ 1906 @@@ aa* @ 107 @@@ aa* @ 1908 @@@ 20° @ * @ "Cycle" model with 2 inch barrel only Under face of the barrel rear extension The serial number can be always found on the under face of the barrel rear extension (Position 1 in the drawing above). To see it, the dismounting of the cylinder is mandatory. Left side of the trigger guard The serial number is also struck on the trigger guard. From 1895 to 1903 it is generally located on the left side of the forward end of the guard, in a place where it remains concealed until the guard is dismounted. Bottom of the trigger guard From 1904 on, the serial number on the trigger guard was relocated on the bottom outer face. Left side of the grip frame Since 1897, when the serial number was cancelled from the butt bottom strap, and until the end of production, the left side of the grip frame can be considered as the main location to find the serial number. - Address and patent changes As time went on, the address and patent markings were changed of content and of location on the gun. Those changes automatically created variations to the direct benefit of the collectors that are always keen of small changes that sometimes allow a better classification, but also in some cases add confusion. Here below are the address and patent markings as they appeared in sequence during the lifetime of the second model. Year Address markings 1895 IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS. FITCHBURG MASS. USA 1896 idem 1897 idem 1898 idem 1899 idem 1900 idem 1901 idem 1902 idem 1903 IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS FITCHBURG. MASS. U.S.A. 1904 idem 1905 idem 1906 idem 1907 idem 1908 idem IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS. FITCHBURG MASS. USA PAT'D APR. 6. 86. FEB. 15. 87. MAY 10. 87. DEC. 26. 93. PATS PENDING elven Dorn BEE ee IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS. FITCHBURG MASS. USA PAT'D APR. 6. 86. FEB. 15. 87. MAY 10. 87. AUG. 25. 96. PAT'S PENDING * IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS * * FITCHBURG. MASS. U.S.A. * - IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS - - FITCHBURG. MASS. U.S.A. - ioe CYel = FITCHBURG MASS. U.8.% Year Patents markings 1895 PAT'D APR. 6. 86. FEB. 15. 87. MAY 10. 87. DEC. 26. 93. PAT'S PENDING 1896 idem PAT'D APR. 6. 86. FEB. 15. 87. MAY 10. 87. AUG. 25. 96. tone PAT'S PENDING 1898 idem 1899 idem 1900 idem 1901 idem 1902 idem PAT'D APR. 6. 86. FEB. 15. 87. 1903 MAY 10. 87. MAR. 13.88. AUG. 25. 96. PAT'S. PENDING a5 ** PAT'D APR. 6. 86. FEB. 15. 87. MAY 10. 87." ** MAR. 13.88. AUG. 25. 96. PAT'S. PENDING ** PAT'D APR. 6. 86. FEB. 15. 37. 1903 MAY 10. 87. MAR. 13.88. AUG. 25. 96. PAT'S. PENDING PAT'D JUNE 16.96. AUG. 25.96. 1904 - PAT'S. PENDING - 1905 idem 1906 idem 1907 idem 1908 PAT'D JUNE 16.96. AUG, 25.96. SEPT. 4.04. PAT'S. PENDING ** PAT'D APR. 6. 86. FEB. 15. 87. MAY 10. 37.** *™ MAR. 13.88. AUG. 25. 96. PAT'S. PENDING ** PAT'D APR. 6. 86. FEB. 15. 87. MAY 10. 87. MAR. 13.88. AUG. 25. 96. PAT'S. PENDING PAT'D JUNE 16.96. AUG. 25.96. - PAT'S. PENDING -Safety automatic revolvers of the third model In 1909 it was decided to upgrade all the models of this line to shoot cartridges loaded with smokeless powder. Most of the internal parts were made of better hardened steel, and all leaf springs were changed to coil or wire springs. The third model was produced until 1941. af All of the parts on hand that could not be used in the new model were assembled and sold under the brand name of U.S. Revolver Co. The production under this name lasted from 1910 to 1935. It must be noted that this separate line of revolvers did not have the same action as the Safety Automatic line, and was never advertised in lver Johnson's catalogs. As to the Safety Automatic line, many changes occurred. One of the most visible was the owl's head on the top of the grip plate, whose face was now oriented toward the side (right picture above) of the gun instead of toward the front (left picture above). Third Hammer Model Another way to easily, and more securely recognize a third model is to observe the number of pins in the vicinity of the trigger guard. If you can count four cross pins (red circles above), than you may be sure to face a third model. The pins relate sequentially (from the left to right) to the front trigger guard limb, the cylinder stop, the trigger, and the rear trigger guard limb. Third "Hammer" Model Enlarged barrel latch Now about the mechanical changes you will find listed hereafter most of them. - The top latch was slightly enlarged, and its coil spring was heavier - The cylinder retainer, initially a threading that proved to be able to auto- dismounting under recoil, was replaced by a mere collar that had a slot cut in it. Reversely, the barrel frame had a small lug that had to pass through the collar cut on removal of the cylinder. To complete the system, a hook was projecting from the underside of the barrel latch, that prevented the cylinder from a rearwards motion until the barrel latch was raised. Note that this change did not occurred until 1911. - The hammer leaf springs became a coil spring. + The extractor cam leaf spring was changed to a tiny coil spring housed into a new part. - The flat leaf spring of the trigger was change to a wire spring. - The front trigger guard retainer was change from a vertical concealed screw to a cross pin. - The cylinder stop, initially an integral part of the trigger, was now a separate part (covered by Patent #769277 dated September 6, 1904) powered by a small coil spring. As a result of this new arrangement, the cylinder was no longer free to rotate when the trigger was at rest. - In the "Hammerless” version the trigger safety was cancelled A new caliber, the .32 S.W. Long (.32 Special), was added to the large frame line. This caliber was available in both "Hammer" and "Hammerless" version, and was serialized in the same series as the .38 S.W. regular caliber. The serial number can be found on the under face of the barrel rear extension, on the bottom face of the trigger guard, and on the left side of the grip frame. Estimations of the serial numbers by year of the third model large frame Main source: W.E. Goforth Year Caliber .33 Hammer Caliber .38 Hammerless 1909 c1-Cs900 D1 -D1500 1910 C08901 -C35900 D01501 -D22800 Notes 1911 C35901 - C62500 D22801 -D50100 1912 C62501 -C72000 D50101 -D54000 New cylinder retainer 1913 ¢72001 -C78600 D54001 - D60800 1914 C78601 - C83000 D60801 -D61700 1915 C3001 -C87600 D61701 -D64600 1916 C87601 -C95300 D64601 -D66200 1917 €95301 -C100000 D66201 -D70900 Only two patent dates used 1918 H1-H11400 D70901 -D76000 Only one patent date used 1919 H11401 -H24700 D76001 -D78200 1920 H24701 -H30300 D78201 -D81300 1921 H30301 -H41700 D81301 - D82900 1922 H41701 -H55100 D82901 -D88200 1923 H55101 -H63501 D88201 - D90800 1924 H62501 - H65800 D903801 -D95000 1925 H65801 -H70500 D95001 - D96400 1926 H70501 -H74400 D96401 - D96600 1927 H74401 -H79300 D96601 -D97600 1928 H79301 - H83000 D97601 - D98600 1929 H83001 - H84600 D98601 -D99400 1930 H84601 - H85900 D99401 -D99500 1931 H85901 - H87400 D99501 - D99900 1932 H87401 -H88900 Dg99901 -D100000 1933 H88901 - H90300 N1-N750 1934 H90301 -H91400 1935 H91401 -H92150 1936 H92151 -H92200 1937 H92201 -H92400 1938 1939 H92401 -H92600 1940 H92601 - H93700 N751 -N800 1941 H93701 -H94250 | Estimations of the serial numbers by year of the third model large frame Main source: W.E. Goforth Year Caliber .32 Hammer Caliber .32 Hammerless 1909 A1-A5700 B1-B1500 1910 A5701 - A30200 B1501 -B33800 Notes 1911 A30201 - A66700 B33301 -B51500 1912 466701 - A81000 B51501 -B54100 New cylinder retainer 1913 A81001 - A89500 B54101 - B58300 1914 A89501 - A100000 B58301 - B66700 1915 G1-G17100 B66701 -B77000 1916 G17101 - G22000 B77001 -B91200 1917 G22001 -G31000 B91201 -B97200 Only two patent dates used Only one patent date 1941 138201 - 138550 1918 G31001 -G39500 | B97201 -B100000 ueed 1919 G39501 - G46300 11 - 16100 1920 G46301 -G52400 16101 - 110200 1921 G52401-G63500 | 110201 -117000 1922, G63501-G73700 | 117001 - 121900 1923 G73701 -G34000 | 121901 - 128400 1924 G34001-G33900 | 128401 - 132100 1925 G88901 -G94800 | 132101 - 132200 1926 G94801-G100000) = 132201 - 132600 1927 J1 - J5200 132601 - 133750 1928 J5201 -J8900 133751 - 134550 1929 J8901 - J9800 134551 - 135150 1930, J9801 -J10900 135151 - 135950 1931, J10901 -J12500 135951 - 137050 1932, J12501 -J13400 137051 - 137550 1933, J13401 -J14700 137551 - 137850 1934, J14701 -J14800 137851 - 138150 1935, J14801 -J14850 137351 - 133200 1936 J14851 -J17500 : 1937, J17501 -J17700 : 1938 : : 1939 : : 1940 J17501 -J18550 : Third model ("Cycle" variation with 2" barrel) As to the firm marking, it remained the same during all the production of the third model. Variations are only relating to “adornments” (stars or lines) located before and after the lines of text. This marking was always struck on the upper band of the barrel, if we except the "Cycle" model (shown above) that had this marking struck on the left side of the barrel. * WER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS * * FITCHBURG. MASS. U.S.A. * - IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS - - FITCHBURG. MASS. U.S.A. - When the patents are concerned, three successive types exist. The early one (1909 - 1912) that includes three patent dates, the second one with two patent dates (1913 - 1917), and the last with only one patent date (1918 - 1941). In all variations the patents marking is struck on the bottom trap of the butt. 1909 - 1912 PAT. JUNE 16.96. AUG. 25.96. SEPT. 4.04. PAT’S. PENDING 1913-1917 PAT. AUG, 25.96. NOV. 17.08. PAT'S. PENDING 1918 - 1941 PAT. NOV. 17.08. PAT'S. PENDINGFunctioning of the third model safety automatic "Hammer" revolver - Functioning of the new cylinder stop The third model was upgraded to shoot modern powerful cartridges loaded with smokeless powder. One salient new feature was the adding of a separate cylinder stop (yellow color, right drawing below). Previously the cylinder stop was integral with the trigger (left drawing above), and the cylinder was always able to rotate when the hammer was not at the cocked position. In the new system, the cylinder was released only when the trigger was pulled. Otherwise, the cylinder remained locked. In the new system, the cylinder stop is powered by a tiny coil spring that permanently forces it in a counter-clockwise rotation. When the trigger is depressed, its forward extension bears on an abutment of the cylinder stop (red circle above) that obliges it to rotate clockwise against its coil spring, and consequently free the cylinder's rotation (black circle above). - Firing in single action mode The "Hammer" version of this line of guns can fire in double or single action mode, while the "Hammerless" version can work in double action mode only. Le nie He To shoot in single action mode, the hammer must be drawn manually at it cocked position as shown above (red arrow). The forward extension of the hammer engages a large cut on the lifter's back face (black circle), and as a result of the link between the lifter and the trigger, the whole trigger assembly is rotated, with all the consequences concerning the cylinder unlocking and motion. When the hammer has been pulled to the full cock position, the sear (green color) rotates (yellow arrow above) and snaps into the cock notch (black circle) of the hammer. In the meantime, the cylinder stop has slipped from the trigger nose, and has been raised by the push of its coil spring into one of the cylinder's stop notches (blue circle). The gun is now ready for shooting in single action mode. The shooter has now to pull the trigger on a very short distance until the back face of the trigger meets the forward extremity of the sear (red circle). Any supplemental pull will rotate the sear, and disengage it from the hammer cock notch. Note that on pulling on the trigger, the lifter is also raised, and is facing the rear end of the firing pin (black circle). When the hammer is released, it flies towards the firing pin under the heavy push of the main spring. The trigger was depressed at its maximum, and consequently the lifter was raised between the firing pin and the hammer. At the instant of firing, the lifter becomes what is generally called a transfer bar. The hammer blow is transmitted to the firing pin by the transfer bar. After firing, when the trigger is released by the shooter, the nose of the trigger (black circle above) slightly pushes the cylinder stop toward the front (red arrow) to re-engage it. - Firing in double action mode Pushing of the hammer through the lifter In double action mode, it is the trigger that rotates (pushes) the hammer through the lifter (black circle above), instead of the trigger being rotated by the hammer, as depicted in the simple action mode. Otherwise, all remains the same as in simple action mode.The safety automatic revolver in caliber .22 RF Second Model in .22 RF caliber - 4" barrel - Serial #423xx The .22 caliber version of the safety automatic revolver is one of the rarest, along with the .32 Special (.32 S.W. Long). By far mostly found in the small frame "Hammer" type, it was available as early as the first model. Unfortunately, to date no factory records about the production of this caliber in the first and second model have turned up for study. a SON'S ARMS & CY i THEURE:MASS-U.S Serial number 37640 (1937) As to the third model, one can say that the .22 caliber of "Hammer" type was introduced in 1910, while the "Hammerless" type was available in 1911. The different markings follow the same pattern, and location, as those found in the standard .32 caliber production. Third model .22 RF caliber - 5 inch barrel - "Perfect" hard rubber grip plates - Serial # 37640 Source : joesalter.com Externally, it is easy to recognize a .22 caliber variation by the cross pin that retains the firing pin (red arrow above). As to the internal modifications, they mainly concern the cylinder, that was bored with seven chambers, and the firing pin that was adapted to the rimfire percussion. The firing pin housing was no longer closed by a threaded bushing on the breech face as it is the case in central percussion models. Of course the frame was slightly modified to get the firing pin strike the cartridge shell at the right place on the rim periphery. Serial numbers by year of the third model in .22 RF caliber Main source: W.E. Goforth Year Caliber .22 1910 E1 - E7300 1911 E7301 - E7900 1912 E7901 -E11500 1913 | E11501 - £14100 1914 | E14101-E17100 1915 | E17101-E19900 1916 | E19901 -E24200 1917 | E24201 - E25600 1918 | E25601 - £26100 1919 | E26101 - E26600 1920 | E26601 -E26800 1921 E26801 -E28800 1922 | E28801 - £30300 1923 | E30301 -E31450 1924 | E31451 - £32600 1925 | E32601 - £34000 1926 | E34001 - £34800 1927 | E34801 -E35700 1928 | E35701 - E36000 1929 | E36001 - £36200 1930 | E36201 - £36500 1931 | E36501 - E36900 1932 | E36901 - E37000 1933 | E37001 -E37200 1934 . 1935 | E37201 - £37250 1936 | E37251 - £37400 1937 | E37401 -E37800 1938 | E37801 -E37850 1939 - 1940 | E37851 - £33000 1941 | E38001 - E38450 Optional accessories for the safety automatic revolver line The safety automatic revolver line was offered since the beginning with a short series of options that mostly related to the barrel length (ranging from 2 inches to 6 inches), and the metal finish (Nickel plating or bluing). Blue finish - Mother of Pearl grip plates Different types of grip plates were also offered. The standard hard rubber grips could be replaced by grips made of Mother of Pearl or even ivory. Oversized hard rubber PERFECT grips Bai = Oversized Western grips with checkering and provision for a swing swivel With time, the grip offer was broadened with such models as : - PERFECT grips made in hard rubber - WESTERN grips made in walnut (checkering and swing swivel being optional) No. 759,415. PATENTED MAY 10, 1904. @, C. BOURNE, PISTOL GRIP. APPLICATION FILED JULY 21, 1003. Charles C. Bourne patent # 759415 of May 10, 1904 One of the most striking optional items was no doubt the Bourne “Knuckleduster" (Charles C. Bourne patent # 759415 of May 10, 1904). Bronze variation of the Bourne Knuckle buster attachment not yet drilled for fastening screws This particular grip attachment was fastened by three screws. Two on the grip front strap and one on the bottom strap. The Bourne Knuckleduster was struck with the patent date and the serial number of the gun to which it was attached. © 2010 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing Belgium)