Make: Iver Johnson

Model: Second Model Model Safety Automatic

Serial Number: 31488

Year of Manufacture: 1897-1908

Caliber: .38 S&W Black powder cartridge

Action Type: DA Double Action 5-Shot Revolver with Top Break Fluted Cylinder Revolver 

Markings: The top of the rib is marked, “IVER JOHNSON’S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS FITCHBURG MASS U.S.A.” The bottom of the trigger guard is marked, “31488”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a semi-circle blade integral to the barrel mounted to the front of the rib. The rear sight is a u-notch integral to the dual post latch system. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown polymer with molded Iver Johnson Owl logos at their tops. The grips have light signs of handling and smoothing but the checkering remains defined on the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is semi sharp. There is minimal corrosion. 

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 10% of its finish. There is some observable blue on the hammer shroud, the recesses of the barrel rib and some in the flutes of the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. The mechanics of this pistol are very good. The Latch and ejector work properly. The Double Action and cycling are crisp. Overall, this revolver is in good condition.

Mechanics: Flawlessfunctioning mechanics. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A holster is included with the revolver.

Our Assessment:  Iver Johnson was a firearms manufacturer founded in 1871 by Norwegian immigrants Iver Johnson and Martin Bye. The company produced a wide range of firearms, including shotguns, rifles, and handguns. One of the most notable firearms produced by Iver Johnson was the Safety Automatic revolver, which was introduced in 1894.

The Safety Automatic revolver was a popular choice for personal protection due to its compact size and reliability. The revolver was designed with a safety mechanism that prevented accidental discharges, which was a major selling point at the time.

The Iver Johnson Safety Automatic revolver was used in one of the most tragic events in American history, the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901. On September 6, 1901, American steelworker and anarchist Leon Czolgosz shot President McKinley with an Iver Johnson .32 caliber Safety Automatic revolver at the Temple of Music in Buffalo, New York. McKinley died nearly eight days later from his injuries.

The revolver used in the assassination is currently on display at the Buffalo History Museum in Buffalo, New York. Iver Johnson continued to produce firearms into the mid-20th century, but eventually went out of business in the 1990s. Today, the legacy of Iver Johnson lives on as a testament to the company's contribution to the firearms industry and American history. This Iver Johnson Pistol is a Second Model Safety Automatic that has become a collectible piece.