How Much is an Iver Johnson Gun Worth?

Published October 15, 2023 | Updated: October 22, 2023 | Category: Antique Handgun, Antique Shotguns, Cash For Guns, Gun Value, How to Sell a Gun, Quick Sell a Gun, Sell Shotguns, Sell Unwanted Guns, Sell Used Guns, Sell Your Gun, Sell Your Guns, Selling a Gun Collection

Why Do Gun Owners Like Iver Johnson Guns?

Founded in 1871, Iver Johnson’s Arms and Cycle Works not only produced firearms but also had a rich history in bicycle manufacturing. However, it’s the company’s firearms that gave the company brand recognition. Iver Johnson was a pioneer in prioritizing firearm safety. The “Hammer the Hammer” campaign in the early 20th century highlighted its revolvers’ unique safety mechanism, ensuring that a drop wouldn’t accidentally discharge the gun.

While Iver Johnson firearms were known for their quality and safety, they also found themselves unintentionally tied to significant historical events. Most notably, an Iver Johnson Owl Head .32 caliber revolver was used in the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901, adding a complex layer to the company’s legacy. For collectors and history enthusiasts, an Iver Johnson firearm is more than a tool or weapon; it’s a piece of a grander narrative that shaped the nation.

How To Determine The Value of My Iver Johnson?

Certain Iver Johnson firearms are particularly valuable. Here are some of the most sought-after Iver Johnson guns:

  • Safety Revolvers: These were Iver Johnson’s flagship products. First, second, and third model Safety Automatics exist, with earlier models often being more valuable due to age, especially when in prime condition.
  • Iver Johnson M1 Carbines: Iver Johnson M1 Carbines were produced during World War II to supply the U.S. military. They were part of the larger effort to provide lightweight, semi-automatic firearms for soldiers on the front lines. The M1 Carbine was used by U.S. military personnel in various theaters during WWII, the Korean War and the early stages of the Vietnam War. Its widespread use in these conflicts adds to its historical significance and and valuable to collectors.
  • Owl Head Revolvers: Named for the owl’s head grip design, these revolvers are emblematic of Iver Johnson’s brand. The older models, especially those with the original owl head grips in good condition, can be particularly valuable.

A guiding principle for firearm collectibility remains true for Iver Johnson guns: condition is important. Firearms retaining their original finishes, parts, and markings will invariably command higher prices. The more scratches and faded finish that becomes present on the gun from handling and usage can greatly diminish its value. The takeaway is that as the condition of the firearm worsens, the less it will be worth when re-sold.

Sell Your Iver Johnson Now with Dunlap Gun Buyers

All we need to make an offer on firearms is a few pictures representative of the gun’s condition and a brief description of the specific make, model and caliber to give an accurate offer and fast cash for guns.

With Dunlap Gun Buyers, we cover shipping, transfer fees, insurance and all other associated costs buying from customers who use our service. We work hard to analyze market trends and provide fair and honest prices to our customers using our service. When we buy guns from customers, we help customers every step of the way by keeping constant communication and work hard to pay our customers in lightning speed to provide excellent customer service.

To see what we can offer on your Iver Johnson, click here to get the process started