We’ve all seen serial numbers that include letters either as a prefix or a suffix. However, have you seen a serial “number” that is all letters instead? Well, that’s exactly what Iver Johnson did at one point in its history.
Between 1909 and 1957, Iver Johnson – known for their inexpensive handguns – made a shotgun they named “Champion.” Johnson’s serial numbers consisted of a variety of different formats over the years, including all numbers, numbers with a letter (or two) as a prefix … and even all letters.
The “serial letter” identification is often seen on the Champion shotguns. What appears to be a random jumble of letters actually corresponds to individual digits. Here is the code they used:
F=1
I=2
T=3
C=4
H=5
B=6
U=7
R=8
G=9
Knowing the code, a serial letter of BHFI becomes 6521. While it may seem like an unusual choice of letters (wouldn’t alphabetical be simpler?), it actually has meaning. If you look down the letters, they spell out “FITCHBURG.” That’s the name of the Massachusetts town where the company was based.
So there you have it. If you come across an Iver Johnson shotgun with letters where the numbers should be, you can use the code above to decipher the real serial number.
Logan Metesh is a firearms historian and consultant who runs High Caliber History LLC. Click here for a free 3-page download with tips about caring for your antique and collectible firearms.
When I was a kid the old timers called them “Ivory Johnsons”. .22, .32 and .38 were the handguns and these single shots were available in all the gauges.
Saw a bunch of them. Used a bunch of them.
Amen. For
cheapinexpensive guns they were pretty well made.Could anyone tell the value of n older over johnson champion 12 gauge single shot gun n very good condition?. Thks.
Iver Johnson is also known for NOT using serial numbers on the illegal M16s they made for the Sandinistas during the coke-for-guns deals being run out of Mena, Arkansas.
Hey Rusty , not many of us still around that know about all the Barry Seals , depositions from federal judges , dead kids on the tracks , girls thrown out of planes , ashtrays full of coke , guns for coke , old man Bush running the CIA ‘ guns for coke ‘ out of the Mena , AK airport and the Gov. of AK getting the White House as a reward story , but the real bulk of guns that those EL Salvador boys got for their coke , came from Iran . Good call .
I’ve got a 9 shot .22 or of that breed. Shoots pretty good for its age.
Hi Tom I to have a IJ Supershot9. Been trying to find info on it’s SN ( K201xx). Have you found out anything?
No code for 0?
X stands for 0
So who has serial # 62345?
Ur mom!
😛
yep his mom does
Knowing the code, shouldn’t a serial letter of BHFI become 6512?
It absolutely should. I’m a little lysdexic – I mean dyslexic.
DYSLEXICS UNTIE!
DNA = National Dyslexia Association
S/Ns weren’t required until GCA ’68.
Strictly optional until that point….
I’ve a IJ sealed 8 .22 made in 1940. Very accurate but a terrible double action trigger.
I came across this message thread while searching for approx when my IJ .32 safety top-break revolver might have been made; maybe one of you can help?
Serial #: I “eye” 45320 (stamped on the frame under the left grip, owls facing in, and on the inside of the trigger gaurd)
I’m trying to see if its safe to fire smokeless cartridges, but have found conflicting info everywhere I look.
One Internet “expert” says that any serial # starting with the letter “G” or higher is version 3 post-1909 smokeless, but will never have a free-spinning cylinder – Mine is higher than G but spins freely.
Wikipedia says version 3 post-1909 smokeless have double-latch top breaks – Mine is single latch.
Another “Expert” says versions 1 & 2 (black powder) have “Patent Pending dates” stamped on top of the barrel rib underneath the “Iver Johnsons Arms & Cycle Works.” – Mine says “Iver Johnsons Arms & Cycle Works on top, and “Fitchburgh Mass, USA” under it, but no “Patent Pending” stamps.
Is it possible to have a post-1909 “I” serial # smokeless model 3, with both a free-spinning cylinder and single latch top-break? Thanks for any insight you might have!
What the hell was in that burrito…
I guess they are made out of gold plated titanium and pure quartz…right? right!?!
Magpul should make P-MAGAzines…
Its a focal point for Trump Derangement Syndrome. That’s all. The vast majority of the noise makers don’t care one bit about the guns or gun control. They just want revenge for 2016 any way they can get it.
What is the basis for these claims?
Oh, I found it. Nevermind.
(https://www.thefirearmsforum.com/threads/iver-johnson-410-shotgun.78582/#post-673328)
I have a 16g Champion serial 8404 (RCXC), any idea what the numbers stand for and when it was made?
Notice there is no reference to a serial number that ends in X. Mine is FHTX.
Hi, can anybody help? I’ve got an Iver Johnson S&W 38 marked Pat’d Apr6, 85 Feb15, 87 May 10, 87 Aug25, 96 Pats Pending on the barrel rib below the company name, city and state. The serial # under the grip is
G85231. My question is, is this model safe to use with smokeless powder rounds? Thanks for your help.
Late for your answer, and I am sure you know by now, but NO. Black powder only.
I have Iver johnson arms & cycle works Fitchburg mass usa hammerless top break double latch solid spring in handel I beleive its a 38 calibr serial # D34629 not sure about the D 5 chamber .Inscribe on barrel pat April 6,85 feb15,87 May10, 87 Mar13,88 Aug25,96 Pat pending.Question do i need to use black powder ammunition.Also what is its value$
Frxr?
i have fghg number that is = 1959 so what year would it of been made this gun is in great shape 100 percent blue no pitting no marks on the wood
a friend has a Champion single Barrel shot gun 12 ga. (I think) serial # is 4 G(6) 351. any help with Manufacture year and other info.
I have a IVER JOHNSON ARMS AND CYCLE WORKS – 32 cal handgun – 5 shot top-break serial # F25838 can you tell me manufacture date, and any other information?
I have a Ivers Shotgun derial # 31477
what year is it
I have over Johnson 410 serial number 1066 how old is it thank you
Iver Johnson, Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works, manufactured in Fitchburg, Mass,
Champion Single Shot Shotgun, Serial Number 11FG, What year was it made and
what is the best price to be expected?
Just was asked by a family whose father passed away if i wanted the handgun since i have a CC permit, so i took it not knowing what it was. It says Iver Johnson’s Arms and Cycle Works on the top of the barrel, serial number 41638 under the trigger and also on left side of grip. It looks like .22 rounds, will fit, it is a 7 shot. Any words what it actually is and how old it is? Appreciate it!