Bill GoForth wrote th book on all things IJ..and yes there is some collector issues and values here..not in the class that the sale will send your kids thru school. If you do this: list all the markings on the gun..list them in the exact same format as they appear on the gun..and WHERE they appear..this will often date your firearm and contribute to the ability to appraise it..Take it down into its 3 basic pieces..the forend assy..the barrel and the reciever and buttstock. list the factory finish on the stocks,barrel and reciever and the percentage of original finish...and if you wish to have the history of your gun and the company that made it..Bill's book is titled "Iver Johnson Arms&Cycle Works Firearms 1871-1973" and can be had from www.gunshowbooks.com
Numrich Archiver
Joined: February 2010
Posted: October 26, 2008 10:54 AM
Bill GoForth wrote th book on all things IJ..and yes there is some collector issues and values here..not in the class that the sale will send your kids thru school. If you do this: list all the markings on the gun..list them in the exact same format as they appear on the gun..and WHERE they appear..this will often date your firearm and contribute to the ability to appraise it..Take it down into its 3 basic pieces..the forend assy..the barrel and the reciever and buttstock. list the factory finish on the stocks,barrel and reciever and the percentage of original finish...and if you wish to have the history of your gun and the company that made it..Bill's book is titled "Iver Johnson Arms&Cycle Works Firearms 1871-1973" and can be had from www.gunshowbooks.com
On the top of the barrel close to the receiver. "28 gauge barrel and lug forged in one"
On the receiver, "Iver Johnson's Arms and Cycle Works Fitchberg Mass Champion
Behind the trigger: 64856
On the Butt Plate:
IV with a picture of an owl.
The wood is in excellent condition, and there is approx 75% of the finish left on the rest of the gun, with the most wear close the the end of the barrel.
Thank you for your input
Numrich Archiver
Joined: February 2010
Posted: October 27, 2008 09:21 AM
Here is all the info I could find on the gun.
On the top of the barrel close to the receiver. "28 gauge barrel and lug forged in one"
On the receiver, "Iver Johnson's Arms and Cycle Works Fitchberg Mass Champion
Behind the trigger: 64856
On the Butt Plate:
IV with a picture of an owl.
The wood is in excellent condition, and there is approx 75% of the finish left on the rest of the gun, with the most wear close the the end of the barrel.
According to the 29th Edition of the "Blue Book..."by Fjestad - your Iver Johnson "CHAMPION", 28 ga. hammer, single shot, break action, mfg. 1900-56, in 75% condition is worth around $250 - 28 ga. being desireable.
It also says this:
Iver Johnson Champion models were mfg. for Mongomery Ward during the 1930-40s under the Western-Field name.
All that aside, inconsideration of the current valuation - if I were you, I would continue to use (not abuse) and enjoy this piece.
Perhaps Bill Goforth will be here soon and be able to give you a date of mfg. from the serial #.
Numrich Archiver
Joined: February 2010
Posted: October 27, 2008 09:30 AM
Z-
According to the 29th Edition of the "Blue Book..."by Fjestad - your Iver Johnson "CHAMPION", 28 ga. hammer, single shot, break action, mfg. 1900-56, in 75% condition is worth around $250 - 28 ga. being desireable.
It also says this:
Iver Johnson Champion models were mfg. for Mongomery Ward during the 1930-40s under the Western-Field name.
All that aside, inconsideration of the current valuation - if I were you, I would continue to use (not abuse) and enjoy this piece.
Perhaps Bill Goforth will be here soon and be able to give you a date of mfg. from the serial #.
the 28 gauge was offered in the small frame champion model 39 between 1909 and 1918. in the standard frame champion model 36 the 28 gauge was only offered after 1913 and was discontinued in 1942. if this is standard size frame model 36 manufactured it was most likely in the late 1920's or early 1930's. there are no known factory serial number records for the iver johnson shotguns.
here is the information i am furnishing the blue book for their 30th edition next year.
model 36 champion 100%=$250 down to 60%=$95 add 15% for 24 and 28 gauges
model 39 champion 100%=$325 down to 60%=$155 all gauges
bill
Numrich Archiver
Joined: February 2010
Posted: October 27, 2008 03:22 PM
the 28 gauge was offered in the small frame champion model 39 between 1909 and 1918. in the standard frame champion model 36 the 28 gauge was only offered after 1913 and was discontinued in 1942. if this is standard size frame model 36 manufactured it was most likely in the late 1920's or early 1930's. there are no known factory serial number records for the iver johnson shotguns.
here is the information i am furnishing the blue book for their 30th edition next year.
model 36 champion 100%=$250 down to 60%=$95 add 15% for 24 and 28 gauges
model 39 champion 100%=$325 down to 60%=$155 all gauges
