Post subject: Trying to date an Iver Johnson single shot 12 guage

I've seen prior posts on Shotgunworld re: Iver Johnson shotguns, but have not seen chart that would translate serial number to date of manufacture. I've inherited my Grandfathers shotgun- I am guessing circa ~1920s but looking for facts.
Serial number has NO LETTERS and is hand stamped on both the trigger guard and on the underside hinge plate of the barrel.
Serial numbers match: 37046

Post subject: Re: Trying to date an Iver Johnson single shot 12 guage

Ever since our resident Iver Johnson expert, Mr. Bill Goforth passed any information on Iver Johnson shotguns it is anyones guess. Here is mine:
If the gun has a serial number with no letter prefix, it was made between 1909 and 1919.
If the gun has a single letter prefix, it was made between 1920 and 1929.
If the gun has a two letter prefix it was made between 1930 and 1939.
If the gun has an all letter serial number i was made between 1940 and 1950.
also
If the word CHAMPION appears above all other markings.th gun was made before 1925 and the word appears below all other makings, the gun was made after 1925.
I have two dates for a serial number of 37046 depending on the model. Old Model Champion −1889 and New Model Champion-1918

Post subject: Re: Trying to date an Iver Johnson single shot 12 guage

Thank You kindly, Ned for your quick reply. And heres to the memory of Mr. Goforth- I can tell from past posts that he was a friend and a detail-oriented gentleman!
As for my 12 ga. shotgun, There are no markings of 'Champion' anywhere on the gun. From your guidance, merged with when Grandpa was shooting, I am guessing 1918. Grand Dad was born in 1886, and I'm told he bought the gun new... so I don think the 3 year old was playing with guns. :-) Likely he purchased the 1918 model when he was 32.
As for the guns markings, Left side metal stamping only, all caps:
MANUFACTURED BY
IVER JOHNSON ARMS & CYCLE WORKS
FITCHBURG, MASS. U S A
The serial numbers have no letters, matched sets on trigger guard and barrel: 37046

Post subject: Re: Trying to date an Iver Johnson single shot 12 guage

Remember, the serial number only tells when the gun was MADE, and not when it SOLD!
There can be a significant difference in those dates.

Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 4:44 pm

I am not looking for any value, but would like some help in identification. I just inherited an Iver Johnson 12 gauge single shot shotgun. Matted Rib, with long barrel. There is a number stamped under the trigger guard of 34xx, can't remember the last two digits. A local gunsmith I talked with thought it might be a part number for the trigger guard on the phone, but when he saw the gun, said it was in the nicest shape he had ever seen a gun this old. I am just trying to find a history to put with the gun and gradfather, and realize the information is rather vague, however any input from anyone would be greatly appreciated to a family with questions. Thanks in advance.

Post subject: Re: Iver Johnson Serial Number?

I don't think you'll ever know for sure. I don't think there is any source for Iver Johnson serial number data.. That particular model was made from 1909 to 1948.. Bushrod

Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 12:52 pm

Hello rpkirk: A matted rib, well you could have the field version, or the single barrel Trap version, both are rare. Can you describe the stocks? You don't have a $100 shooter here!!
Regards Dave

Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 1:07 pm

Thanks for the info guys. Dave, I will get to the smith shortly and at least get some pitures of it for your evaluation. Thanks again, rpkirk.

Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 1:25 pm

Dave: All the Trap Grade singles I have seen Had Vent ribs a real fancy wood. We need a photo.. Bushrod

Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 2:36 pm

Bushrod: You would be correct if it's built on the 'champion' frame, those Traps, were vent ribs made from 1909-1942. My first thought was of it's predecessor made from the mid to late 1890s to 1908, since rpkirk didn't mention 'champion'. Of course pictures will tell all! I hope we can see some!
Regards Dave