A buddy of mine just received a shotgun that was branded Ivor Johnson. It also had Motorcycle and Metal works written on it. That's all he can tell me about it. I'm going to try and take a look at it this weekend but would like some more information on the company and what should I look for, if anything. Thanks

They've even written a book about the company !
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewP...productNumber=465581

That was bicycle not motorcycle ! They sold to police both revolvers and bicycles as police used bicycles in those days !
For more info just google Iver Johnson

Maybe there's hope, the police are back on bicycles these days. Are revolvers going to make a comeback...?

Rich

From the late 1800's until just prior to WW II, not only were several manufacturers of firearms also in the bicycle business, but it was very common for retail shops to sell both guns and bicycles. In fact, the bicycle business often provided the volume of sales and cash flow that allowed a gun shop to operate.

My wife's grandfather's shop in Austin, Texas (which went out of business in the early 1960's) sold guns and provided gunsmithing services, as well as selling fishing tackle, and bicycles and providing service on both of those lines. Although the store was by far best known for its guns, I suspect that the other lines of merchandise were what buttered the bread and put the beans on the table.