As I was sorting through a box of “stuff” from my parents estate, I noticed what looked to be a pistol. I say “looked” because I wasn’t sure if it was real or a toy. It lacked a hammer so I suspected that it was not real. However, I soon discovered that there was an internal firing mechanism.

After further investigation, I found out that it was a 5 shot hammerless .38 made by the Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Company. It was built between 1898 and 1909 which makes it an antique.

To my knowledge, my parents did not own a handgun so I was a bit confused as to where this thing came from. Then I happened to remember that the former owner of my parents business had a gun that she kept under the counter by the cash register. Given the age of the one that I found, it is, in all likely hood, that very gun. It must have been included in the sale of the business.

Along with the gun came a dixie cup full of .38 rounds. The rounds looked rather old and I think that they need to be disposed of.

I doubt that I will ever fire the gun since it has reached antique statue, but it is a conversation piece non the less.

BTW, the Iver Johnson company also made bicycles so I guess you had a choice between fight or flight.