Iver Johnson Champion 32 Ga. FULL 26″ Top-Break Single Shotgun 1909-22 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1275
LSB#: 211229DR02
Make: Iver Johnson
Model: Champion
Serial#: 23785
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1909-1922, C&R
Gauge: 32 Gauge
Action Type: Single-Shot Top-Break Shotgun with Extractor
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “32 GAUGE BARREL AND LUG FORGED IN ONE / -PAT’D, JUNE 15, 15, PAT’S, PENDING-”. The left side of the receiver is marked “IVER JOHNSON’S / ARMS AND CYCLE WORKS / FITCHBURG, MASS. USA / CHAMPION”. The bottom tang is marked with the serial number “23785”. The butt-plate is marked with an owl’s head under “IVER JOHNSON”.
Barrel Length: 26”
Choke: The Full choke is fixed.
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a brass bead fixed to the muzzle. The top of the chamber is serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stocks are two piece smooth wood featuring a detachable forend, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and black hard rubber butt-plate. The stocks have some light-moderate handling marks, compressions, scuffs and nicks. Notably, the top right portion of the forend has moderate wear, there is a ding on the left side of the forend, there is a light crack at the rear end of the top-tang and there is a patch of black colored fouling on the left side of the toe. The LOP is approximately 14” from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. The buttplate has some light handling marks. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition.
Type of Finish: White Metal
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is grey with scattered patches of pitting.
Overall Condition: The shotgun has no remaining metal finish. The shotgun is coated in mild-moderate patches of surface oxidation and it has taken a patina color. There are some light-moderate handling marks, nicks and scuffs on the gun’s metal surfaces. Notably, there is a patch of white paint on the bottom of the barrel, just ahead of the forend. The marking on the receiver is a bit faded but all the markings remain clear. The screwheads are coated in oxidation and have light tool-marks but they remain serviceable. Overall, the shotgun is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel locks with no play on the receiver. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Iver Johnson Topper is a 32 gauge single-shot top-break shotgun. The shotgun was manufactured sometime between 1909-1922 when the Champion was renamed the “Champion Single Barrel” in 1923. This particular shotgun was chambered for the now obsolete 32 gauge shells. Although the 32 gauge shell operated well enough, they failed to meet any major niches in the market and were eventually overshadowed by .410 and 28 gauge shells. This shotgun has some handling wear and its age shows but it remains mechanically sound. If you are in the market for a 32 gauge shotgun and/or an avid Iver Johnson collector then look no further. Good luck on your bid!