U.S. Revolver Co (Iver Johnson) .38

[Kramer1113]

I just picked one of these up. 5 digit serial# beginning with 88***
Not bad condition considering the age.
Does anyone have experience with these and any idea of value?
Looks like a cool little gun.

 

[gunnerbob]

Pics? Gotta have pics....

 

[UATKP]

What he said^^^.
But. Info only: I have a little single-shot .410 that was produced by Iver Johnson Cycle Works... and it also is a great little gun.

 

[Kramer1113]

I took more pictures but they just didn't come out.
More if needed.

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[Kramer1113]

Better one with the extractor up.

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[gunnerbob]

Don't know much about them but, that sure is a neat little pistol. Have you fired it yet?

 

[Kramer1113]

Don't know much about them but, that sure is a neat little pistol. Have you fired it yet?

Haven't fired it yet because I'm not sure of the ammo type.
I have never owned a .38. I saw one YouTube video saying they were intended for Black Powder rounds.
Then I read it was a S&W .38 Short, Then I saw it said .S&W .38.
THEN I saw a warning on the .38 shorts that said not for use in Black Powder Pistols.
If its intended for Black Powder I fear I would blow my hand off if I fired it with a full load .38.

 

[Reba]

Usually the Iver Johnson iconic owl head logo would be on the grip where the "US" is in your pictures. Is it possible that this was a special edition made for military use?

We took an old 1920-30 era IJ to our gunsmith for evaluation. He said if we tried firing it with today's ammo it would probably blow up. I've also read that same warning online. It said that the steel used back then was inferior strength compared to today, and that the ammo loads used today are too strong.

Back in the day, IJ had the absolutely coolest advertising campaigns, especially in the 1904-21 range. Their slogan was "Hammer the hammer." It showed a picture of someone using a hammer to pound the gun's hammer. It was supposed to show how safe it was from accidental discharge. Another favorite ad showed a toddler girl sitting in bed with her dollie and the IJ revolver in hand. It said "Daddy says this is safe." Can you imagine that nowadays? LOL

Another ad touted the gun as ideal for the WWI soldier to leave behind with his wife while he deployed, for her self defense. It was just right for the woman's "unskilled" shooting hands. No PC back then.