Interesting stuff being posted here. I haven't bought anything "new" since January and you guys aren't helping out when it comes to resisting the urge.
While researching an Iver Johnson, .32 Cal Revolver, made prior to 1899. I started running into names like Hopkins and Allen, H&R, F&W, Andrew Fyrberg and W.E. Goforth. On January 9, 2011, Bill identified it as a First Model, made in 1894. I ordered his book on Iver Johnson that same week. A must have for anyone interested in these old revolvers.
The Black Powder Cartridge Era, as I call, it was some interesting times as revolvers evolved from Cap and Ball Percussion. When the Colt and S&W Patents ran out, they lost their monopoly, loads of companies joined in and a lot of little weapons for personal defense got sold in this country.