How do you know the year of an Iver Johnson 12 gauge?

Brian, also a question I need answers to. I have 2 antique ones from grandfathers on both sides of my family. I can find everything on them except a serial number. They were both made in Fitzburg, and both pre 1930 and that's about all I know, with the exception that I have to have a firing pin fixed in one before iusing it. 2 things I do know about them, however: 1. You will want to use the smaller load 2. Never use a specialized Deer load. These barrels are tapered inside even more than they look like from the outside, and you run a seious risk of both blowing out the end of the barrel AND major self injury. Feel welcome to email me at goodrum@scrtc.com if you want to exchange ideas on these guns. I used one of them to shoot trap for several years - kicks like a mule !!! I know just enough about this brand to not get my head blown off, haha & that's about it. - Dawn I was just recently given a Iver Johnson 12 Guage Single Barreled Hammered Champion Shotgun from my father in law. He says it was his grandfathers. It was in very poor condition as it sat in a barn for years. I've spent countless hours restoring it and it is now looking brand new. I too am very curious what year it was made. I have searched all over for the answer to this, and have come up empty handed. The stampings say, Serial number 16308, Fitchburg Mass, 12 Guage Bore Choke. I am also curiOS whether it should be loaded with 2 3/4, or 2 1/2 loads. Brian I'm going to send you to another forum at the related link. There are a couple of people who hang out on Shotgun World who know a bit about these. One has written a book on IJ handguns and is researching the shotguns now. I don't think he will be able to give you an exact year, but I know there were minor changes that may give him enough to get you into a fairly short time period. You might have to furnish photos or the exact width of the forearm, number of screws in the receiver, etc. Just ask how to find out the guns age and I'm sure someone will tell you what additional information is required.