Would like to know what year this gun was made. Iver Johnson 16 ga. champion single shot serial number 89178B

The Iver Johnson Cadet was offered as (the basic gun) as the Model 55 Target, and the 55A then the 55S Cadet and the 55S-A Cadet. The "parent" is discribed as: IVER JOHNSON MODEL 55 TARGET,Revolver,double-action,22LR,8-shot,4 1/2",6" bbls and 10 3/4"(6") 9 1/4"(4 1/2") over all length weight 24 oz.(4 1/2") 26os(6"); large frame,pull pin cylinder release with flash control front rim; recessed cylinder chambers;fixed sights,oversized molded one piece Tenite plastic target type grips; Does not have the "hammer the Hammer'action,matte blue finish; After 1958 cylinder is fluted hard chrome lined barrel introduced in 1955; dropped from production in 1979..the .38 caliber offering is designated as the Model 55S-A which is the same as the above except that: it was offered in .22LR,.32 S&W and .38 S&W(this is NOT a .38S&W Special) and as an 8-shot in .22, as a 5-shot in both .32 and .38. it is 7 1/2" oal w/ loading gate on the Right side AFter 1974/1975 this model is called"I J Cadet it was introduced in 1961 and dropped in 1979 Values: Vgood=$110..Good=$85 and Fair=$75. This data is from the Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values and more detailed Iver Johnson histroy can be had from www.gunshowbooks.com..check out Bill Goforth's Iver Johnson Arms&Cycle Works Firearms 1871-1993..Bill also frequents these forums and he along with Jim Hauff will likely correct any misinformation I may heve relayed as well as correct any ommisions.

have inherited an Iver Johnson Champion 12 gauge single shot

https://www.gunvaluesboard.com/iver-johnson-shotgun-1878555.html

I couldn't find anything on a .44 shotgun. Found .410 and here is a bit of stuff on the IJ brand with dates and Serial #s. See if this helps and maybe you can re-post your request.


Iver Johnson 410 Serial Number Dates

I think we might have answered your question on another forum, Jim....but if that wasn't you, the I.J. serial number system at that time was letters based on the word "FITCHBURGX" Your gun, H F F C would then be serial numbered 5 1 1 4. Another fellow said that it was probably a Champion....I'm not an expert on I.J. shotguns but I have no reason at all to doubt that. The Champion series was a long and widely sold model. Do a web search on that, "Iver Johnson Champion", and see if any match yours. If not, you can post a link to a pic of your gun and I'll see if I can id it for you. Chamber length....if it's NOT well marked that it can take a 3" shell, stick to 2 3/4" only. 2 3/4" will cover 99% of anything you might want to shoot anyway. Stay away from solid slugs (brenneke's).

iver johnson single barrel champion shotguns with a single letter suffix to the serial number were manufactured between 1920 and 1929. it seem that most of the 410 were used quite a bit and very few are in excellent condition. the original finish was an oil finished stock, browned barrel and case hardened frame.

CHAMPION MODEL 36--------------------------------1909-1922
Single barrel; rebounding center mounted hammer; top lever operated break open design; gauges: 12, 16, and 20; barrel length: 28, 30, and 32 inches (features barrel and lug forged in one piece) bored full chock only; American black Walnut but* stock and fore-end; automatic extractors; weight 6¾ pounds; overall length with 30 inch barrel 45 inches; case hardened receiver (nickel available as option), browned barrel; automatic ejectors extra cost option; .410 bore, 24 and 28 gauges offered in 1913; 24 gauge dropped 1928; all gauges except 12 dropped after 1941; name changed to Champion single Barrel in 1917.
CHAMPION SINGLE BARREL---------------------------1923-1978
This is the same gun as the earlier Model 36 champion except that the smaller gauges are now built on the same frame as the large gagues. See above picture for specifications. The exact year production stopped has not yet been determined. Some of these single barrel shotguns have been seen with Canadian marking, these were most likely shipped to Canada and then marked as there is no evidence that Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works ever had a manufacturing factory in Canada

Would need more info these guns can range from $100 - $1000 some $5000 + depends on age, condition, model, etc... this is a good site to try and determine what you might have.... http://www.gunsinternational.com/Iver-Johnson-Shotguns.cfm?cat_id=632