What year were the I.J. Double Action Model 1900 .32 made?

Answer 1

I found this answer at http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=47607

Quoting the author:

the i j model 1900 was manufactured between 1900 and 1941. there were three frame sizes and four calibers offered; small frame 22 rimfire 7 shot, medium frame 5 shot 32 S&W or 32 rimfire and large frame 32 S&W long 6 shot and 38 S&W 5 shot. most have a 2 to 2 1/2 inch barrel (depending on frame size) but 4 and 6 inch barrels were also available.

the medium frame 32 are most often seen in centerfire version and the 32 rimfires a considered rare. check the hammer if the firing pin is at the top and retangluar in shape it is a rimfire, if the firing pin is lower down on the hammer and conical it is a centerfire.

the main serial number location is on the left side of the grip frame under the grips. if this is the number you give (without letter code) then the manufactured date of this revolver is 1900. this would make this revolver a black powder model and not safe with modern ammo. however the 32 caliber model was the most popular of the model 1900's and there were two letter code used during the time of thieir manufacture. no letter code was used between 1900-1908, letter code E was used between 1909 and 1917 and letter code B was used between 1918 and 1941. (remember letter codes will only be found on the left side of the grip frame under the grips). other possible dates are, serial number E2295=1909 approx. 12,000 manufactured, serlal number B2295=1919 with 7,200 manufactured. these two date are within the smokeless powder era and if in good shooting condition should be ok with modern ammo. there were a total of 215,700 medium frame 32 caliber model 1900 manufactured between 1900 and 1941.

bill

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Author:

Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works 1871-1993

H&R Arms Company 1871-1986 (due fall of 2008)

available from www.gunshowbooks.com

website;

www.geocities.com/iverjohnsoncollector