Iver Johnson .32 Safety Automatic Hammer [3rd issue] (IWM)

Iver Johnson .32 Safety Automatic Hammer [3rd issue] (IWM) nickel plated, vulcanite grips, twin post latch, "long" rear sight.

The so-called 'Safety Automatic' revolver produced by the American company Iver Johnson, gained its name from its innovative safety-hammer mechanism, which the manufacturer introduced in 1894. The frame-mounted firing pin could only be struck if the trigger was fully pulled. This lifted a 'transfer-bar' into position, which transmitted the impact of the hammer-face to the rear of the firing pin. This was the most advanced safety feature of its day. Iver Johnson marketed these revolvers with the slogan 'hammer the hammer' - alluding to the fact the hammer could be safely closed on a loaded chamber. This specific revolver is one of a substantial quantity of Harrington & Richardson and Iver Johnson .32 and .38 revolvers bought in the United States for police use in Britain in 1940-42. Some 21,000 were issued to the Metropolitan police alone. The majority were the Harrington & Richardson 'Bobby' model, of which 23,782 were obtained, but around 4,000 Iver Johnsons were also purchased. The exact number is unknown, as some were acquired from the unrelated Iver Johnson Sporting Goods of Boston, which also supplied Colts revolvers.

The 'Safety Hammer' model name refers to the 'hammer the hammer' transfer bar safety mechanism, the earliest on this principle, and technically superior to others at this period. From 1940-42 substantial quantities of Harrington & Richardson and Iver Johnson .32 and .38 revolvers were bought in the United States for police use in Britain, c. 21,000 going to the Metropolitan police alone. The majority were the Harrington & Richardson 'Bobby' model, of which 23,782 were obtained. C. 4,000 Iver Johnsons were purchased, but exact numbers are unknown, as some were acquired from the unrelated Iver Johnson Sporting Goods of Boston, which supplied Colts as well.

1. IVER JOHNSON'S ARMS & CYCLE WORKS FITCHBURG, MASS. U.S.A. 2. crossed pennants (British military proof) 3. broad arrow (British military ownership mark) 4. 17972 5. Owl trademark