Very Early Iver Johnson

[mauser]

Just found an interesting old Iver Johnston .22rf single-shot pistol. Browsing through an online gun auction list last month, I ran across this cute little pistol. A bit of research and I found it in a Flayderman Guide listed as an Iver Johnson made only from 1870 to 1890.

Only marking on the 2" barrel is STAR VEST POCKET. Tiny little guy, and still works. No extractor, just a notch to put a knife blade under the rim of the fired case to pry it out. Unfortunately there's a tiny sliver of wood missing from each rosewood grip!

I photographed it here with a similar vintage box of .22rf short Gallery loads to give a better idea of it's diminutive size. I collect older .22rf US and Canadian made firearms, and this cutie fits right in. Currently it's the SMALLEST in the collection.

Best regards from "The Gunshine State" ~ ~ ~ mauser

 

[skirsons]

I had to check your location. I thought "Hey, these are prohibited in Canada!" Otherwise you'd see them in the hands of Toronto gangs every day.

 

[skeetgunner]

Nice find Mauser! What was the price if you don't mind me asking?

 

[mauser]

Don't mind at all, skeetgunner. Cost me $88.50 with internet fees, shipping and handling. Got a rare old IJ "ring trigger" or "semi-hammerless" scattergun with it for another $118. Total bill was $227.72 for the pair of rare I.J.s.

The auction house had NO clue what they were selling and it was available online nationwide!!! ONE bidder bid against me on the 12ga. And he has no idea what he missed.

I've been corresponding with Bill Goforth, who wrote the book on I.J. guns, and have gotten lots of info on the 12ga. It's known in the old IJ catalogs as the "Improved Model of 1900." Made only 1900-1908. Lots of case hardening still evident on receiver, steel barrel, crisp action and snappy ejector. Nice old hunter.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ mauser

This photo was one furnished by the auction house with the offering simply as a 12ga single-shot.

 

[pitdogboy]

Now that is a sweet little pocket pistol...Thanks for the pics

 

[MPI]

I had to check your location. I thought "Hey, these are prohibited in Canada!" Otherwise you'd see them in the hands of Toronto gangs every day.

Antique here no? No PAL required.

 

[mauser]

Another Shot

Thanks, pitdogboy. I'm not into scatterguns, but couldn't pass this oddball up - if for nothing else than a trader. So few of 'em still survive. Was very lucky to find Bill Goforth (who wrote the book on I.J. guns) is still available to furnish latest info on their guns.

I wrote him today for more info on the Vest Pocket. I'ts a major holiday here so he's probably not gonna' see it 'til tomorrow. If and when I get additional info on the little guy, I'll update these posts.

Below is another pic of the little guy, which shows its scale better.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ mauser

 

[tonyg]

Antique here no? No PAL required.

unfortunately , it's .22 calibre , so ........a no no , unless your grandfathered?

in Canada ......

 

[mauser]

More Info...

I just checked for a response from Bill Goforth on this gun. He has replied. Here's what he wrote:

Post#1 - Posted: 07/04/2008 at 10:05:08
according to information i recieved from factory in 1983 (while researching the first iver johnson book) the 'star' single shot derringer was the deluxe version of the 'eclipse' single shot derringer. the only other reference i have found on the 'star is in a 'james brown & son' 1876 catalog. the description of the 'star' in this catalog is; "heavy plated, single shot pistol, chambering the number 22 cartridge----------weighing only 3 ounces" james brown & son also used the name "enterprise gun works" in this 1876 catalog the single action spur trigger revolvers marked "enterprise" were in reality just examples of the iver johnson (johnson & gye gundmith) defender series of single action spur trigger revolvers. you have a very unique and rare derringer in this one with the "star" markings. as to how many were made, i do have a problem with most of 'flayderman's' estimates. the quanity more likely was 10,000 plus. he seem to base his estimates on the low numbers found on some of the lessor known firearms. it is a known fact that iver johnson and started a new series of numbers yearly and most likely other companies did so also. bill

I especially appreciate his comment that it is "very unique and rare derringer." Should add more value to the gun than I thought previously.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ mauser

Here's stamping on top of the 2" barrel.

 

[MPI]

Such a cool pistol you have their Mauser congrats. Are you going to shoot it?

 

[mauser]

I Don't Shoot My Collectibles

Thanks, MPI. I'm as happy as if I had my right mind... It's a GREAT addition to my collection of old .22rf single-shots. Goforth's comment about its rarity is a REAl windfall for me. He is considered THE guru of I.J. made guns.

I've never fired ANY of my collectibles 'cause I'm afraid if I hurt one of 'em in ANY way, shooting or even transporting, I'd never forgive myself. I've got too many other current weapons on hand I feel free in shooting. But, I've even got a 1966 Colt that's NIB without even a cylinder-stop mark on its gold-plated cylinder. NO WAY I'd fire it...

Remember, we are but caretakers of historical artifacts for future generations.

Ex-gunsmith in Arizona told me had shot a modern replica of this little guy and it was VERY uncomfortable. I got that feeling just handling it.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ mauser