Iver Johnson 55a Serial Number

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Kathryn Garivay

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Jul 14, 2024, 3:25:42 PM7/14/24

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Iver Johnson 55a Serial Number: How to Find and Verify It

If you own an Iver Johnson 55a revolver, you might be curious about its history and value. One of the ways to learn more about your gun is to look at its serial number. The serial number can tell you when and where the gun was made, and sometimes even the model and caliber. But how do you find and read the serial number on an Iver Johnson 55a? And how do you verify that it is authentic and not altered? In this article, we will answer these questions and help you understand the meaning of the Iver Johnson 55a serial number.

Iver Johnson 55a Serial Number

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What is the Iver Johnson 55a?

The Iver Johnson 55a is a double-action revolver chambered in .22 caliber. It was produced by Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works, a company founded by Norwegian immigrant Iver Johnson in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, in 1871. The company was known for making inexpensive firearms, bicycles, and motorcycles. The 55a was one of the many models of revolvers that Iver Johnson made from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century.

The 55a was introduced in 1955 as a successor to the earlier model 50. It had a swing-out cylinder that held eight rounds, a fixed rear sight, and a ramp front sight. It came in two barrel lengths: 2.5 inches and 4 inches. It also had two finishes: blue steel or chrome plated. The grips were made of plastic or wood, and some models had a target hammer and trigger. The 55a was marketed as a plinking, target shooting, or small game hunting gun. It was discontinued in 1978.

Where is the serial number on an Iver Johnson 55a?

The serial number on an Iver Johnson 55a is usually located on the bottom of the grip frame, behind the trigger guard. It may also be stamped on the inside of the crane (the part that swings out with the cylinder) or on the side of the frame under the cylinder. The serial number may consist of numbers only, or numbers with a letter prefix or suffix.

How to read the serial number on an Iver Johnson 55a?

The serial number on an Iver Johnson 55a can tell you some information about the gun, such as the year of manufacture, the model, and the caliber. However, there is no definitive source for decoding the serial numbers, and some of them may have been duplicated or altered over time. Therefore, you should use caution and cross-check other sources before relying on the serial number alone.

One way to get an approximate date of manufacture for your Iver Johnson 55a is to use the letter prefix or suffix on the serial number. According to some sources, these are some of the possible meanings of the letters:

AA: Enforcer model with blue steel finish, made between 1978 and 1992

BA: Enforcer model with chrome plated finish, made between 1978 and 1983

BS: Cadet model with blue steel finish, made between 1978 and 1980

CA: Cadet model with chrome plated finish, made in 1979

DD: Target model with blue steel finish, made in 1980

EA: Target model with chrome plated finish, made in 1983

EAA: Target model with blue steel finish and adjustable sights, made in 1986

EF: Target model with chrome plated finish and adjustable sights, made between 1983 and 1986

FF: Sidewinder model with blue steel finish, made in 1980

J: Trailblazer model with blue steel finish, made in 2007

JJ: Trailblazer model with chrome plated finish, made in 1985

SS: Sidewinder model with chrome plated finish, made between 1982 and 1983

WW: Trailblazer model with blue steel finish and adjustable sights, made between 1985 and 1986

If your Iver Johnson 55a does not have a letter prefix or suffix on its serial number, it may be an older model that was made before these codes were introduced. In that case, you may need to consult other sources to get more information about your gun.

How to verify the serial number on an Iver Johnson 55a?

The serial number on an Iver Johnson 55a can help you verify the authenticity and originality of your gun. However, you should also check other features and markings on the gun to make sure it has not been altered or tampered with. Here are some tips to verify the serial number on an Iver Johnson 55a:

Compare the serial number on the grip frame with the serial number on the crane or the frame under the cylinder. They should match or be close in sequence. If they are different or mismatched, it may indicate that the gun has been reassembled from different parts.

Check the caliber marking on the barrel. It should match the caliber of the gun. If it does not, it may indicate that the barrel has been replaced or rechambered.

Check the finish and condition of the gun. It should be consistent with the age and use of the gun. If it looks too new or too worn, it may indicate that the gun has been refinished or abused.

Check the grips and sights of the gun. They should be appropriate for the model and year of manufacture of the gun. If they are not, it may indicate that they have been replaced or modified.

Consult other sources to confirm the information you get from the serial number. You can also contact experts or collectors who specialize in Iver Johnson firearms to get their opinion and advice.

What is the history of the Iver Johnson 55a?

The Iver Johnson 55a is part of the long and rich history of Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works, a company that started as a gunsmithing shop in 1871 and became a major manufacturer of firearms, bicycles, and motorcycles. The company was founded by Iver Johnson, a Norwegian immigrant who settled in Worcester, Massachusetts, and later moved to Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The company was known for its innovative and affordable products, such as the Safety Automatic revolver, which had a transfer bar mechanism that prevented accidental discharge. The company also produced several models of shotguns, rifles, carbines, and pistols.

The Iver Johnson 55a was introduced in 1955 as a successor to the model 50, which was a double-action revolver with a swing-out cylinder that held eight rounds of .22 caliber. The 55a had a similar design but with some improvements, such as a larger trigger guard, a wider hammer spur, and a more streamlined frame. The 55a also came in two barrel lengths: 2.5 inches and 4 inches. The 55a was marketed as a target shooting or plinking gun, and some models had adjustable sights and target grips. The 55a was discontinued in 1978, along with most of the other Iver Johnson revolvers.

The Iver Johnson 55a is an example of the company's legacy of producing quality firearms for the masses. Although the company ceased operations in 1993, its name and products are still remembered and appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts today.

How to care for your Iver Johnson 55a?

If you own an Iver Johnson 55a, you may want to keep it in good condition and preserve its value. Here are some tips to care for your Iver Johnson 55a:

Always follow the basic rules of gun safety when handling your Iver Johnson 55a. Treat every gun as if it is loaded, never point it at anything you are not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, and be aware of your target and what is beyond it.

Before cleaning or disassembling your Iver Johnson 55a, make sure it is unloaded and the cylinder is open. Use a cleaning rod, a bore brush, a patch holder, and a solvent to clean the barrel and the chambers. Use a cloth, a toothbrush, and a lubricant to wipe and oil the exterior and interior parts of the gun. Do not use excessive oil or solvent, as they may cause damage or malfunction.

After cleaning your Iver Johnson 55a, reassemble it and check its function. Make sure the cylinder rotates smoothly and locks in place, the hammer cocks and falls properly, the trigger pulls smoothly and releases crisply, and the safety works as intended.

Store your Iver Johnson 55a in a cool, dry, and secure place. Avoid exposing it to moisture, dust, dirt, or extreme temperatures. Use a gun case, a gun sock, or a silicone cloth to protect it from scratches and rust. Keep it away from children and unauthorized persons.

Periodically inspect your Iver Johnson 55a for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. If you notice any problems or defects, do not attempt to fix them yourself. Take your gun to a qualified gunsmith for repair or service.

How to find the value of your Iver Johnson 55a?

If you want to sell or appraise your Iver Johnson 55a, you may wonder how much it is worth. The value of your Iver Johnson 55a depends on several factors, such as the condition, the rarity, the demand, and the market. Here are some steps to find the value of your Iver Johnson 55a:

Check the condition of your Iver Johnson 55a. The condition is one of the most important factors that affect the value of a gun. A gun in excellent condition will be worth more than a gun in poor condition. You can use the NRA Condition Standards to grade your gun from new to poor.

Check the rarity of your Iver Johnson 55a. The rarity is another factor that affects the value of a gun. A gun that is rare or hard to find will be worth more than a gun that is common or easy to find. You can use online resources, such as books, catalogs, websites, or forums, to research the production history and variations of your Iver Johnson 55a.

Check the demand for your Iver Johnson 55a. The demand is another factor that affects the value of a gun. A gun that is popular or sought after will be worth more than a gun that is unpopular or unwanted. You can use online resources, such as auctions, classifieds, or price guides, to see what other people are willing to pay for your Iver Johnson 55a.

Check the market for your Iver Johnson 55a. The market is another factor that affects the value of a gun. The market can change depending on the supply and demand, the economy, the laws, and the trends. You can use online resources, such as newsletters, magazines, or blogs, to keep up with the current market conditions and trends for your Iver Johnson 55a.

By following these steps, you can get an estimate of the value of your Iver Johnson 55a. However, remember that the value of a gun is subjective and may vary depending on who you ask and where you sell it. Therefore, you should always consult a professional appraiser or dealer before buying or selling your Iver Johnson 55a.

Conclusion

The Iver Johnson 55a is a double-action revolver that was made by Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works from 1955 to 1978. It is a .22 caliber gun with a swing-out cylinder that holds eight rounds. The serial number on the Iver Johnson 55a can tell you some information about the gun, such as the year of manufacture, the model, and the caliber. However, you should also check other features and markings on the gun to verify its authenticity and originality. The Iver Johnson 55a is part of the history of Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works, a company that started as a gunsmithing shop in 1871 and became a major manufacturer of firearms, bicycles, and motorcycles. The Iver Johnson 55a is an example of the company's legacy of producing quality firearms for the masses. If you own an Iver Johnson 55a, you should care for it properly and preserve its value. You can also find the value of your Iver Johnson 55a by checking its condition, rarity, demand, and market. The Iver Johnson 55a is a classic American revolver that deserves respect and appreciation.