1897 Iowa Code Ann. 1898

SEC. 4775. Carrying concealed weapons. If any person carry upon his person any concealed weapon, or shall willfully draw and point a pistol, revolver or gun at another, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and be fined not more than one hundred dollars, or imprisoned in the county jail not more than thirty days; but this section shall not apply to police officers and other persons whose duty it is to execute process or warrants, or make arrests. [Textual note from original] The intent or purpose with which the weapon is carried is not an element of the offense, nor is it required that it be carried with defendant's knowledge, or willfully, that is, with set purpose. The obvious purpose is to forbid the carrying of weapons on the person with the knowledge of the accused that the weapon is so carried, and that it was a weapon. If the weapon was carried through restraint, or ignorance, or for any innocent or lawful purpose, such fact may be shown by the defense; it need not be negatived in the indictment: State v. Williams, 70-52."