Iver Johnson Firearms

Over the last couple of years I have seen them sell in the Midwest for anywhere between $170-$250. They tend to be higher on GunBroker.com than in the shops.

First, open the cylinder and look at the yoke (the piece that connects the cylinder to the frame). The model number should be stamped there. On some older models, however, no number was assigned: these are called "named" models, and the identification info is imprinted on the barrel. Note all of the markings, and repost. It is quite possible that you have a European revolver that infringed on the patent held by Smith & Wesson and the manufacturer did not want to be identified. S&W put several manufacturers out of business for copying "their" idea which they bought from Mr Rollin White.

Suggest you Google search, for details, but basically, a large caliber, small frame piece, originally by Webley, but extensively copied. I believe it was available in a variety of calibers. Purported to have been used to assassinate Pres. Garfield.

The book, Iver Johnson's arms & cycle works handguns, 1871-1978 is out of print, but the author of that book, (W.E. "Bill" Goforth) did write another on the same subject called Iver-Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Firearms 1871-1993. This book is published by, and available from Gun Show Books Publishing. www.gunshowbooks.com

The first course of action to discern the value of a gun is to identify the make, model, manufacturing date, variation and condition. The book "Iver-Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Firearms 1871-1993" by W. Goforth, may help accomplish this. Then it's a simple matter of looking your gun up in one of the many firearm value books, such as the Blue Book of Gun Values, or the Standard Catalog of Firearms.

In the case of guns, "antique" has a legal meaning- made before 1899. The value of your Iver Johnson will be based on the exact model and the condition. Although well made, these were not high $$$ guns when new. Value could be anywhere from $50 to $300 (for a perfect new-in-box specimen)

Find a good gunsmith or buy a book on Model 12 repair.

In 1871 Iver Johnson joined Martin Bye to form the Johnson Bye & Company, merging his own (1841-1895) and Martin Bye's gunsmithing operations. During this period, Johnson and Bye filed for and received several new firearms features and firearms feature improvement patents. Their primary revenues came from the sale of their self designed and manufactured inexpensive models of revolvers. Not much is known about Martin Bye, as there is very little documented information about his life. However, there is more documented information on Johnson. Iver Johnson is documented as having immigrated to Worcester, Massachusetts from Norway in 1863 at the height of the American Civil War, a time when gunsmithing was a welcome skill in the country. Johnson was a gunsmith by trade at the time, but also worked as an inventor in his spare time, which would come in handy later on as he sought new and creative uses for his partially idle manufacturing equipment, a thought process which would eventually lead him and his heirs to diversify the corporation's businesses. His early work involved not only gunsmithing locally in Worcester, MA, but it also included providing designs and work to other firearms companies (notable Allen & Wheelock for whom he made so-called "[pepperbox]" pistols). He married Ms. Mary Elizabeth Adams on April 9th, 1868, in Worcester, with whom he had 3 sons and 2 daughters over the next several years. Little is known of Martin Bye. He and Johnson filed jointly for and were awarded multiple patents together, mostly related to firearms designs, beginning in 1876. The company's name changed to Iver Johnson & Company in 1883 upon Johnson's purchase of Bye's interest in the firm. Bye continued to work in the firearm industry for the remainder of his life. The company's name changed again to Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works in 1891, when the company relocated to Fitchburg, Massachusetts, (sometimes incorrectly referred to as "Fitzburg") in order to have better and larger manufacturing facilities. The Iver Johnson Complex, as it is known today, resembles other abandoned Industrial Revolution-era properties in New England. As has been the trend, the complex is often a target for real estate developers who intend to exploit its buildings' industrial brick aesthetics and open floor plans to create retail, residential, or other types of usable space. Iver Johnson died in 1895, and his sons were took over the business. Frederick (born 10/2/1871), John (born 6/26/1876), and Walter (birthdate unknown), had vastly different levels of involvement in the company ranging from executive leadership to barely any involvement at all. They shepherded the company through a phase of expansion, as bicycle operations grew, then converted to motorcycle manufacturing and sales. They also saw the growth of the firearms business and the eventual restructuring of the company to focus on firearms and related business as they divested non-firearms concerns, such as the motorcycle business, in the face of growing firearms demand, World War I's armaments industry expansion, and other factors. As family ownership waned and outside investment via publicly traded stock and mergers/acquisitions/partnerships took hold, the company changed ownership and moved several times during its operation. The company eventually dropped "Cycle Works" from its moniker when that part of the business was shut down. The business successfully weathered the Great Depression (in part thanks to higher rates of armed robbery crimes, which helped maintain demand for personal firearms) and was buoyed by the dramatic increase in the market for arms leading up to and during World War II. As a result of changes in ownership, the company had the first of two major relocations in 1971 when it moved to New Jersey. It moved again to Jackson, Arkansas, before it finally ceased trading under its own name in 1993, at which time it was owned by American Military Arms Corp (AMAC). Iver Johnson gained a reputation over the years for producing low cost, sturdy, reliable firearms. Iver Johnson firearms are collectible today (21st century) at reasonable prices, but cannot be reliably fired unless they are checked by a certified gunsmith.

Your Iver Johnson .38 revolver, regardless of condition,is not worth much tofirearms people. Retail value would be a max of $100 roughly. There is a "blue book" with details -- it's normally found at any gun shop. I'm an instructor, collector, etc. so please trust me. Iver Johnson made what is called a "utility" firearm. They worked well enough, but they have very littlevalue in the firearms market.

I would pay as much as $400 for a very clean 28 gauge Champion. Condition is the key. Jim Spear 251-981-5788

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How specific do you want? You won't be able to find out who the previous owners were or what they used if for, unless maybe it is listed on some stolen property report. This model was manufactured from 1931 to 1957. There are a couple of guys who hang out at antiqueguns.net who have written (or are writing) books on IJ and may be able to give you an exact year of manufacture. Value will be $75 for a well-worn but serviceable gun and $175 for one that is like-new. Another source of information on this firearm (and most other Iver Johnson firearms) is the book by W.E. Goforth titled, "Iver-Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Firearms 1871-1993".

lift the top latch and remove cyl.

That was called the 'Semi-Hammerless' and made from 1905-1910. sales@countrygunsmith.net

No. M1 carbines were made semi-auto only. M2 carbines had a selector lever for simi-automatic or full automatic. Iver Johnson never made M2 carbines.

That depends on the model number, not the serial number. In any case, the value isn't high - possibly $150 max down to about nothing for an old, unserviceable piece.

If there is it is unknown at this time. I wish for one as I have one that needs one had to build one from scratch. I have been looking for about 10 years not got one yet.

My great-grandmother gave me her's and she purchased her's in 1949.

If your johnson automatics rifle is in 100% original condition then the value is 3,250 dollars for a specimen with 60%original finish up to 6,000 dollars for a fine specimen with 95% original finish.The value of these will be reduced if the rifle has been refinishd.

This was probably either a Safety Hammer Model or Safety Hammerless Model made from 1892 to 1950. In the 2004 Blue Book the Hammerless was worth $60 in 60% condition and $125 in 100% condition and the Safety Hammer model was worth $40 and $100 respectively.

It was manufactured only in 1985. Blue Book values range from $70 in 60% condition and $115 in 100%.

The manufacturer of your montgomery wards ,22 cal rifle is mossberg.The model number is mossberg model 9.these mossberg model 9 rifles were made in the 1930,s I believe and there value is not much.50-125 dollars.

By 'safety lock' are you referring to a safety bar set in the front of the trigger similar to the current Glock pistol? Does it have an external hammer or does it have a humpback frame with an internal hammer? Very minty examples of these pistols have sold for $150-$200, but the value drops off fast as the finish wears off. Typical well-used guns are in the $80-$120 range. sales@countrygunsmith.net

If it has one, it would be behind the trigger guard. sales@countrygunsmith.net

what size ammo does a 32 owlhead use

.32 Short Colt centerfire I have used the 80 grain.