Often indicates the very early 1896 production or specific variations. Roughly corresponds to 1897, 1898, and 1899. Used for runs in 1898, 1899, and 1902. Indicates the 1906 manufacturing run (~100,000 guns). Third Model (Smokeless Powder) The Third Model (1909–1941) is the most common. If the owl faces the shooter , use these prefixes:
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
The serial number format often indicates whether the firearm is safe for modern ammunition: First Model (1894–1896) : Identified by a single-post latch ; typically black powder only. Second Model (1897–1908) double-post latch and often has a flat mainspring; black powder only. Third Model / "New Model" (1909–1941) : Features a coil mainspring and was designed for smokeless powder 3. Decode the Serial Prefix (Approximate Years) While specific databases like the NRA Museum Serialization Records Often indicates the very early 1896 production or
💡 Most Iver Johnson revolvers found today are "Black Powder" models (pre-1909). Firing modern "Smokeless" ammunition in these can cause the gun to explode . Indicates the 1906 manufacturing run (~100,000 guns)