I understand the interest in tracing the history of an Iver Johnson revolver, especially given their popularity from the 1880s to the mid-20th century. However, I need to provide an important clarification upfront:
Iver Johnson revolvers often have serial numbers in multiple spots. If they don't match, the number under the grip is the official one . Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database BEST
| Approx. Date | .32 Serial Range | .38 Serial Range | |--------------|------------------|------------------| | 1896 | 1–10,000 | 1–5,000 | | 1900 | 30,000–40,000 | 15,000–20,000 | | 1905 | 80,000–90,000 | 35,000–40,000 | | 1910 | 140,000–150,000 | 55,000–60,000 | | 1915 | 200,000–210,000 | 80,000–85,000 | | 1920 | 250,000–260,000 | 100,000–105,000 | | 1925 | 290,000–300,000 | 115,000–120,000 | | 1930 | 320,000–330,000 | 130,000–135,000 | | 1935 | 340,000–350,000 | 140,000–145,000 | | 1940 | 358,000–365,000 | 154,000–158,000 | I understand the interest in tracing the history
Owl faces toward the butt: 3rd Model (1909–1941). These were redesigned for smokeless powder . 2. The Letter Prefix Small Frame:
| Letter | Meaning | What You Do | |--------|---------|--------------| | B | Barrel Markings | Record the top-latch patent dates (e.g., “Pat. Apr. 6. 86, Feb. 15. 87…”). | | E | Era Frame | Hammer the hammer? Oval trigger guard? Round vs. square butt? | | S | Serial Number | Locate it (under the grip panel, on the trigger guard, or front strap). | | T | Type & Caliber | .32 S&W, .38 S&W, .22 LR? Safety Hammerless or Large Frame? |