#IVER JOHNSON CHAMPION SHOTGUN HISTORY SERIAL NUMBER#

They even designed bikes that catered to the ladies. After Taylor won several world-class championships under the Iver Johnson sponsorship, their bikes became some of the most sought-after in the world. World cycling champion Marshall Major Taylor rode one and was sponsored by the company in 19. They were the most expensive and high-quality racers available. This model had a thin, fake gas tank on the top tube that could hold a battery for a horn or bike light.įor the race enthusiast, the best track bike to buy at the time was the Special Racer. They sold recreational bikes for casual riders, like the Roadster and the Mobicycle. They offered many different models over the years, with some bicycles designed for specific needs. They began to build their bikes under the Truss Bridge design and then flooded the market using an ad campaign with the slogan, “Trust The Truss”.

Frederick modeled this frame after some of the most magnificent bridges in the country at the time. It featured a curved tube under the top tube that strengthened the frame. This new design would become the Truss Bridge frame and was one of their most popular models. The bicycle world was forever changed when Fredrick Johnson submitted a patent for a new and original design of bike frames. In the late 1800s nearly all bicycle manufacturers used the same diamond-style frame. Known for both quality and performance, they advertised themselves as “America’s Finest Bicycle.” Nearly every member of the bike clubs rode an Iver Johnson bike model. They took their role in the community very seriously and had strict rules each member must follow.įrom 1891 to 1941, Iver Johnson’s Arms and Cycle Works produced around 700,000 bikes. They could choose the seat, handlebars, brakes, pedals, tires, and color.Ĭycling was a popular sport in Fitchburg at the turn of the century, and there were many bicycle clubs in the area. The steel frames were welded together, and they even made cones and cups for bearings.īicycle riders also had the option to customize their bikes, which was unique at the time. While other bicycle companies used stamped rear dropouts, theirs were forged. They were able to easily convert their machinery to make bike parts. Not worth much today in the condition its in - but it sure looks pretty.While much of the history of Iver Johnson focuses on firearms, many forget the company had a very successful bicycle manufacturing line. Fired it into big trash bags and I can tell you I'd not want to be in front of it when it goes off.Ī common inexpensive shotgun in its day. I've fired it a long time ago to see the pattern. Iver Johnson records are long gone but from what I can deduce from online posts it was made sometime between 19. May have said Champion too - but that's worn off if was ever there. From research it probably said Arms and Cycle Works and Fitchburg, Mass USA but that's worn off. The left side of the action has 'Iver Johnson's Arm FI' still readable.

#IVER JOHNSON CHAMPION SHOTGUN HISTORY SERIAL NUMBER#

The barrel serial number has the letter A after it. The barrel, stock, understock and action all have the serial number 56544. Top of the barrel says, '16 gauge choke bore barrel and lug forged in one Pat June 15, 15 pats pending' I stripped the paint to get the black walnut wood back.

Someone had painted the wood with model airplane paint and it looked like hell. The guy I traded with was sort of a 'backwoods' good old boy. I wound up trading the Enfield for this shotgun. My then wife was pregnant and we lived a couple blocks from 'the ghetto.' My service revolver was the only gun in the house other than a. Back in 1968 I was a LEO down south during the MLK riots.

Iver johnson champion shotgun history