Help me with my Johnson (Iver Johnson)

[Country Boy]

My brother inherited a revolver from a great uncle that passed away. It is a 5-shot .38 S&W break-top revolver.

The top of the barrel says:
"IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS AND CYCLE WORKS
FITCHBURG, MASS, U.S.A."

The butt of the grip says:
"JUNE 16.96 AUG.25.96
T.16.04.PATS.PENDIN" (I believe the G was worn away)

Underneath the trigger guard is a three digit sereal number 2XX.

This great uncle was convicted of counterfitting. As a felon, I'm sure he was just "storing" it for somebody else.

What do you know? Any comments would be appreciated.

http://www.geocities.com/rod_torg/Iver1.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/rod_torg/Iver2.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/rod_torg/Iver3.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/rod_torg/Iver4.JPG

 

[Country Boy]

I forgot to take my anti-stupid pill this morning. I've been away from TFL for a good part of the summer, and I can't remember how to post pictures. HELP!

 

[C.R.Sam]

Here is a site you can muddle around in and get a fair overview of Iver Johnson handguns. http://www2.arkansas.net/~sws1/ij-faq.htm

If I had it, would check to see if .38 special would chamber. Many of those have through bored chambers. If so.....would first off render it incapable of firing. There is always a chance that some poor soul would try a +P .38special or a 38-44 round in it and hurt a bystander.

Sam