Books › Iver Johnson's arms & cycle works firearms 1871-1993
Iver Johnson's arms & cycle works firearms 1871-1993
First published 2006 · 224 pages
A meticulous, archive-deep dive into the nuts and bolts of a forgotten titan of American manufacturing.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like stepping into a well-organized archive or a master gunsmith's workshop. The reader is guided through decades of mechanical evolution with academic rigor and an almost reverent attention to detail. It is not a narrative you rush through, but rather a steady, studious companion designed for the dedicated collector. The prose is straightforward and highly technical, prioritizing exact specifications, serial numbers, and model variations over storytelling. For the niche enthusiast who finds beauty in the minutiae of industrial history and the precise mechanics of antique revolvers, this exhaustive reference work offers the deep, satisfying reward of total mastery over a fascinating, often overlooked corner of American manufacturing heritage.
- Mood
- archival
- studious
- focused
- Tone
- meticulous
- authoritative
- academic
- objective
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- industrial history · mechanical evolution · preservation of knowledge · American manufacturing heritage
- The writing
- Highly structured, technical, and precise, prioritizing clarity and exhaustive detail over narrative flair.
- The arc
- Moves from a broad historical curiosity to a deep, satisfying mastery of niche mechanical details.
- Who it's for
- Dedicated firearms collectors and industrial historians who crave exhaustive technical specifications and archival accuracy.
Content notes
- discussions of firearms
About the book
Iver-Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Firearms 1871-1993 is an enlightening dissertation, detailing one of America’s premier (but little known) firearms manufacturers and their arms. Concentrating on the firearms, mainly the revolvers, you’ll be tutored on all the pertinent information the educated Iver-Johnson collector needs in pursuit of his or her passion. Bill Goforth has produced a well-illustrated book with literally hundreds of quality photos, academically adorned with model variations, specifications, serial number ranges, dates of manufacture, and all the “nuts and bolts” information needed to properly document your firearms. This well executed text is highly deserving of a place in the library of any discerning arms collector
Description from Open Library.
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