Iver Johnson Revolver Identification??

[Mount Sweetness]

Local shop had a cute little top break Iver Johnson Revolver come in, small owl on top of pistol grips. (looks somewhat like a small "webley")

No one knows much about this gun:

- What cartridge does it fire...it is unmarked?...were they most commonly in .32 S&W?

- Is it possibly an official antique...or very likely not that old?

- Are they generally safe to fire if mechanically sound, strong enough?

Sorry, that is all the info that I have at this point, thanks.

The gun looks very similar to the one pictured in the links below, but it has all original patina finish.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/957550683/Guns/Pistols/Iver-Johnson-Pistols/Iver_Johnson_Arms_Safety_Hammer_Model_32_S_W.htm#

http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/Iver_Johnson_Safety_Automatic_Revolver_1533.jpg&imgrefurl=http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Iver_Johnson_Safety_Automatic_Revolver_1533.jpg&h=420&w=737&sz=48&tbnid=ELs-4RLkFKgpFM:&tbnh=80&tbnw=141&prev=/search%3Fq%3Diver%2Bjohnson%2Brevolver%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=iver+johnson+revolver&usg=__8FE1sKa4EpA_MTUQVNThLvyFu0Y=&sa=X&ei=eDDBTfSaEOHc0QHe8rG4Cg&ved=0CC8Q9QEwAg

 

[oldstarfire]

Yes, very common in 32 S&W, and prohib as a result, no matter how old.
Now, if it were rimfire....

 

[sunray]

IJ's are low end revolvers that came in several chamberings. .32 S&W is one. They also came in .38 S&W and assorted rimfires. A .32 is, of course, prohibited. So will nearly all of their other models due t othe barrel length.
An IJ may or may not be an antique. The chambering should be stamped on it.
There's a fairly good list of the hordes of revolvers IJ made with some pictures here.
http://www.american-firearms.com/am... Works/Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works.html

 

[tiriaq]

sunray is right on. Some IJs are antique, some are restricted, many - most - are 12(6) prohibs. These weren't the cheapest guns when made, and if in sound condition would certainly be usable, but they aren't Colts or Smiths.
Surely if the gun came into a shop there would at least be the registration information accompanying it.

 

[Mount Sweetness]

The chambering was not stamped on it anywhere...?

 

[tiriaq]

Just look at the bore size. .22, .32 or .38? Rimfire or centerfire? Barrel length?

 

[scianna54]

That's a prohibited gun, need 12.6 license

 

[Mount Sweetness]

It was centrefire, maybe .32 or .38 not .22, shorter barrel as seen in the picture links above. I think you would call it "small frame", with owl on upper part of grips.