I have the opportunity to purchase an Iver johnson where the trigger does not work because of a spring mechanism, (a guess.) The gun itself has stamped into the metal, or nickel, on the top flat part of the barrel, Columbian F. A. M'F'G ing Co. Phila, P.A. U.S.A. 2nd line Pat. Dec 11, 1894 PAT. P.D.G. the serial number, which i think is the serial number, is on the bottom of the handle of the gun. 25436 i believe, which is odd i think for an iver johnson revolver. Come to think of it the gun does not say ivor johnson on it. Can someone tell me what this is? how old it is? and if it is worth 45 dollars? and could i sell it for 80 dollars? or how much? and is it legal to do so? i would really appreciate it as i am out of my area here. thank you.
Iver Johnson Need help identifying worth, year.
- Thread starter Methos52
- Start date
I guess the gun is not marked Iver Johnson because IJ didn't make it.
That marking was on the first model Baby Hammerless, made by Columbian in 1896-1897. Later (1897-1916) it was made by Henry Kolb and (1916-1939) by R.F. Sedgley, all of Philadelphia. The trigger is folding; if the spring is broken, it will fall down and flop around. In good condition and functional, those guns have some value, up to around $300. Many won't fire modern brass case ammo, since the hammer spring was made for the softer copper case ammunition.
Patent Pdg, just means Patent Pending. As to selling it, we would have to know what state you are in. You can sell to an FFL licensee in any state, but most dealers don't buy such guns as they can't sell them with no guarantee.
Jim
That marking was on the first model Baby Hammerless, made by Columbian in 1896-1897. Later (1897-1916) it was made by Henry Kolb and (1916-1939) by R.F. Sedgley, all of Philadelphia. The trigger is folding; if the spring is broken, it will fall down and flop around. In good condition and functional, those guns have some value, up to around $300. Many won't fire modern brass case ammo, since the hammer spring was made for the softer copper case ammunition.
Patent Pdg, just means Patent Pending. As to selling it, we would have to know what state you are in. You can sell to an FFL licensee in any state, but most dealers don't buy such guns as they can't sell them with no guarantee.
Jim
Than you Jim K and everyone for your help and patience
I am sending 3 pictures. I will send more if it helps. Can the gun date period be narrowed to 1 time period. I live in IN where would you suggest best place to get info on laws to stay legal? My neighbor wants 45 dollars. there is a leather holster that appears old but no snap or anything. Should I use the serial number I had in earlier post and some how find the exact date? I hear=d that if it is under a certain age it is ok to sell as antique, this is probable incorrect info for a novice though. thank you so much this is last post, Depending on what you guys think ill probably give it back to my neighbor. I do have a friend I would like to sell it to but I think I am out of my league. What do you guys think, you are the most knowledgeable and helpful people, so glad I found this site. Again thank you.
I am sending 3 pictures. I will send more if it helps. Can the gun date period be narrowed to 1 time period. I live in IN where would you suggest best place to get info on laws to stay legal? My neighbor wants 45 dollars. there is a leather holster that appears old but no snap or anything. Should I use the serial number I had in earlier post and some how find the exact date? I hear=d that if it is under a certain age it is ok to sell as antique, this is probable incorrect info for a novice though. thank you so much this is last post, Depending on what you guys think ill probably give it back to my neighbor. I do have a friend I would like to sell it to but I think I am out of my league. What do you guys think, you are the most knowledgeable and helpful people, so glad I found this site. Again thank you.
Attachments
Jim Watson
New member
Columbian made other designs than the Baby Hammerless, as the pictures show.
Yours could not have been made before the December 1894 patent date and Columbian went out of business in 1897 or 1898 according to Joe Salter, the only reference I could find. That ties it to a three or four year period, and makes it an antique under Federal law.
As I read Indiana law, even a private sale of a handgun has to have a background check by a dealer. I see nothing about antiques there.
But I am not a lawyer, nor an Indiana resident.
Check it out.
Yours could not have been made before the December 1894 patent date and Columbian went out of business in 1897 or 1898 according to Joe Salter, the only reference I could find. That ties it to a three or four year period, and makes it an antique under Federal law.
As I read Indiana law, even a private sale of a handgun has to have a background check by a dealer. I see nothing about antiques there.
But I am not a lawyer, nor an Indiana resident.
Check it out.
Bob Wright
New member
For whatever its worth, while most consider collectors specializing in Colts, Rugers, or Smith & Wessons, there are collectors whose collections consist of the off-brand, the way out, or the unusual. Hard to find maybe, but they're out there.
Bob Wright
Bob Wright
This turned up on the National Firearms Museum site, but they have no better information on the maker.
http://www.nramuseum.org/the-museum...ustry/columbian-firearms-mfg-co-revolver.aspx
Jim
http://www.nramuseum.org/the-museum...ustry/columbian-firearms-mfg-co-revolver.aspx
Jim
Modernhoglegs
Inactive
You might have a look at www.ha.com
The Historical division has a category called Arms & Armor.
If you register you can see what guns have sold for to get an idea of value.
The Historical division has a category called Arms & Armor.
If you register you can see what guns have sold for to get an idea of value.