Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database Best Online

Even without an exact year, you can often determine:

Many owners incorrectly assume the numbers stamped on the or the bottom of the trigger guard tell the whole story. To prevent duplicate entries in their record-keeping, the factory stamped the "true" serial number—complete with its alphabetical prefix code—in concealed locations.

: Stamped with patent dates ranging beyond 1904, corresponding to their smokeless-powder era rebuilds. Post-WWII Solid Frame Models

A "3rd Model" in 95% condition can be valued around $375–$440, while a heavily worn, non-working model has much lower value, primarily for parts. Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database BEST

These are derived from Goforth’s research and collector logs. They apply to (not the solid-frame “Trailsman” or late-model automatics).

This article serves as the guide, providing comprehensive, actionable information to help you locate, read, and date your firearm. The Ultimate Iver Johnson Serial Number Resource Guide

The "Safety Automatic" top-break models are the most common Iver Johnson revolvers found today. They are divided into three distinct generations. Identifying the generation is the first step to unlocking the serial number database. First Model (1894–1896) Even without an exact year, you can often

: Octagon barrel, solid frame, non-fluted cylinder.

The serial number on the bottom of the trigger guard has no letter prefix, but it does under the grip.

Based on collector Bill Goforth’s research (author of Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Firearms ): Post-WWII Solid Frame Models A "3rd Model" in

as a guide. There is no single "magic" official database, but collectors rely on established patterns from experts like Bill Goforth Iver Johnson Serial Number Quick Guide

Note: Many Iver Johnson revolvers were manufactured with a letter prefix or suffix that indicates the year or production series. 2. Key Letter Prefix Identification (Dating Guide)

The original Iver Johnson company went out of business in 1993. While they kept internal production records for many years, this data is not publicly accessible online. The vast amount of information available today comes from the painstaking work of dedicated researchers and historians, most notably the late W.E. "Bill" Goforth. His life's work is widely regarded as the ultimate authority and the best "database" available.