Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database Best -

The original Iver Johnson company went out of business in 1993. While they kept internal production records for many years, this data is not publicly accessible online. The vast amount of information available today comes from the painstaking work of dedicated researchers and historians, most notably the late W.E. "Bill" Goforth. His life's work is widely regarded as the ultimate authority and the best "database" available.

According to the serial number decoding experts, that "G" meant this piece of steel rolled off the line in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, right around . It was a "Third Model," designed for smokeless powder—the pinnacle of the company's famous "Hammer the Hammer" safety design.

Letters at the start of the serial number (like "Q" or "C") indicate specific production runs or years . Likely an early model (before 1900) .

Dating a vintage revolver is an essential step for historical documentation and safe handling.

To identify an Iver Johnson, you need to understand their production periods, which often relied on serial number prefixes (letters) or lack thereof. 1. The Best Online Tool: Archival Research Group Database Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database BEST

While the database above provides general guidelines, the definitive source for Iver Johnson research is:

For further reading and research, here are some additional resources:

: Features dual-letter or unique letter prefixes (e.g., C sequences indicated specific 1920s runs).

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. The original Iver Johnson company went out of

: To accommodate massive production spikes, a letter code denoted the specific manufacturing year block: A, E, or F : Tracked primarily between 1897 and 1899. G : Used across early 1900s runs (1898, 1899, 1902).

Whether you’re trying to date a family heirloom, ensure you’re using the correct ammunition, or appraise a find from an estate sale, start with the serial number under the top strap. Then, open your browser to TheFirearmsForum or Proofhouse, and watch history unfold.

Enter the serial.

While the Iver Johnson Arms Company Serial Number Database is an excellent resource, there are other reliable sources you can use: "Bill" Goforth

This location usually lacks the letter prefix and may be a duplicate. Under the top strap: Check inside the frame window when the cylinder is open. 📅 Safety Automatic Model Identification

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.

This guide serves as a comprehensive database breakdown to help you locate, read, and date your vintage Iver Johnson revolver. Finding the Serial Number