Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database Best [patched] Today
Review: Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database
Introduction
The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is a valuable resource for firearms enthusiasts, collectors, and researchers. Iver Johnson, a renowned American firearms manufacturer, produced a wide range of revolvers from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. The database in question aims to provide a comprehensive catalog of serial numbers for Iver Johnson revolvers, facilitating the identification and authentication of these firearms. This review evaluates the database's features, accuracy, and usefulness.
Database Features and Interface
The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is a well-organized online resource, easily accessible via a web browser. The interface is straightforward, allowing users to search for serial numbers by model, year of manufacture, or a combination of both. The database also provides detailed information on the various Iver Johnson revolver models, including their production years, calibers, and notable characteristics.
Accuracy and Completeness
The database appears to be meticulously maintained, with a vast collection of serial numbers covering various Iver Johnson revolver models. A thorough examination of the database reveals a high level of accuracy, with most entries matching the manufacturer's historical records. However, as with any database, there may be some gaps or errors, particularly for rare or hard-to-find models.
Usefulness and Target Audience
The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is an indispensable tool for:
- Firearms collectors: The database helps collectors verify the authenticity and provenance of their Iver Johnson revolvers, ensuring they are purchasing or owning genuine models.
- Researchers: Historians and researchers can utilize the database to study the production trends, model variations, and serial number ranges of Iver Johnson revolvers.
- Law enforcement and firearms examiners: The database can aid in the identification and investigation of Iver Johnson revolvers involved in crimes or found at crime scenes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive collection of serial numbers for Iver Johnson revolvers
- Accurate and well-maintained database
- Easy-to-use interface
- Valuable resource for collectors, researchers, and law enforcement
Cons:
- Limited information on rare or prototype models
- Possible gaps in serial number ranges for certain models
- No images or detailed descriptions of individual firearms
Conclusion
The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is an exceptional resource for anyone interested in Iver Johnson revolvers. Its accuracy, completeness, and ease of use make it an invaluable tool for collectors, researchers, and law enforcement. While there may be some limitations, the database remains a BEST resource for those seeking to identify, authenticate, or research Iver Johnson revolvers.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation
The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database is a must-visit resource for anyone involved with Iver Johnson revolvers. We highly recommend it to collectors, researchers, and law enforcement agencies seeking accurate and reliable information on these firearms.
Future Development
To further enhance the database, we suggest:
- Adding images or detailed descriptions of individual firearms
- Including information on rare or prototype models
- Providing a forum or discussion board for users to share knowledge and ask questions
By addressing these suggestions, the Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database can continue to grow and improve, solidifying its position as the premier resource for Iver Johnson revolver enthusiasts.
6. Best Practices for Your Search
- Do not rely on a single number alone — always cross-check patent dates and physical features.
- Take photos of the gun, including markings, and post on dedicated collector forums.
- Buy the Goforth book (out of print, but findable used) or the digital summary from Corners & Cylinders.
- Accept a range — most Iver Johnsons can only be dated within 5–10 years, not exact year.
Prologue: The Gun in the Attic
In the summer of 1987, a rusty Iver Johnson .38 S&W revolver was found inside a leather satchel in a condemned farmhouse outside of Des Moines, Iowa. The satchel also contained a faded photograph of a young man in a World War I doughboy uniform and a tattered train ticket dated April 12, 1919.
The family who found it had a mystery on their hands. Who was this soldier? Was this gun a war trophy, a service weapon, or something darker—a nightstand defender from the Prohibition era? The local police couldn't tell them. The local gun shop shrugged. "It's an old Iver Johnson," they said. "Parts are impossible to find." Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database BEST
That was before the Database.
Chapter 2: The Birth of the Database
Enter Walter “Walt” Forgory (fictional character, but based on real collective efforts). A retired railroad dispatcher and obsessive self-taught historian, Walt spent 18 years doing what the factory never did: he built a serial number database from scratch.
His method was brutal and beautiful:
- Thousands of gun shows. He carried a spiral notebook and a magnifying glass. He asked every dealer, “Can I log your Iver Johnson serials?”
- Auction catalogs. Every Rock Island, Morphy, and James D. Julia sale—he transcribed the serials, descriptions, and photos.
- Letters to collectors. He placed ads in Gun Digest and The American Rifleman: “Send me your Iver Johnson serial numbers and descriptions. I will send you a free approximate date.”
- Patent cross-referencing. He mapped serial blocks to known engineering changes (e.g., 1888 second model, 1894 third model, 1908 safety hammerless).
By 2005, Walt’s hand-typed, three-ring binder contained over 14,000 unique serial entries. He called it The Forgorian Ledger.
#4: GunValuesBoard.com (The User-Submitted Census)
Another excellent resource is the Iver Johnson section of GunValuesBoard.com. This is a user-driven database where owners enter their serial numbers, model descriptions, and purchase data.
- Best for: Understanding real-world serial number ranges, not just factory idealizations. You can see that "Serial 187XXX" was reported on a revolver that had a 1911 patent date, helping narrow down production.
- BEST feature: The search box allows you to type your serial number prefix (e.g., "B" or "X") and see dozens of other examples with estimated dates.
#2: The "Proofhouse.com" Searchable Database (Fastest Online Tool)
For a quick, searchable, no-nonsense digital tool, Proofhouse.com hosts one of the best online Iver Johnson serial number databases. While not as granular as Goforth’s books, it covers the most popular models.
Proofhouse has compiled date tables for: Firearms collectors : The database helps collectors verify
- Iver Johnson 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Model Safety Hammerless
- Iver Johnson 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Model Hammer (Trigger-cocking)
- Large Frame (.38 S&W & .38 Special)
Why it’s among the BEST: You simply scroll to the Iver Johnson section, find your revolver type, and match your serial number to the chart. It’s clean, runs on any browser, and is completely free.
Limitation: It does not cover post-1941 models (like the Trailsman 66 or Supershot Sealed Eight). For those, you need specialized forums.