This is a very rare example of the 22 LR Gallery barrel/slide assembly for M1911 Semi-Automatic pistols. These were initially developed in 1914 by Springfield Armory in response to the inquiry from a young machinist/inventor by the name of J. H. Carl of Gilroy, California. He had developed and submitted a design to Springfield Armory for candidate conversion unit for the M1911 pistol shooting the low cost 22 caliber rimfire ammunition. In 1915 Springfield Armory fabricated 5 test sample for evaluation and testing using his concept of a single integral barrel/slide assembly with a blow-back operated bolt mechanism but chambered it in "22 Short" that would fit directly on the M1911 frame. These first 5 samples were intended to prove out the feasibility of the design concept. Testing began on these early models and in 1916, Capt. N.F. Ramsey directed the commanding officer at Springfield Armory to manufacture 25 actual test samples chambered in the more powerful "22 LR" for further testing and field trials. These were nearly finished when this project was put on hold due to the demands of WWI. Interest resumed in the post war years, and in early 1919, Springfield finished the manufacturing the 25 test pistols. At the conclusion of testing in 1925, the Army determined the design was unsuitable for military use, with most examples retained by Springfield Armory until they were sold in 1938 under a disposal order. This Gallery Slide Assembly is actually one of the very first samples (serial number 2) and was originally mated to M1911 pistol serial number 564868. The history and correspondence of these Ultra RARE Gallery conversion units is well detailed and documented in the book "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols" by Meadows on pages 442-454. This Gallery unit is serial numbered #2 on the left side of the bolt and then again on the underside of the barrel/slide assembly itself. The right side of the slide has a partial spread wing American eagle that is seen on the M1911 pistols produced by Springfield Armory; no other markings present. This rare slide/barrel assembly does not include a magazine.

Fine condition overall with 95% of a post-WWI dark arsenal parkerized finish remaining overall with only edge and high spot wear. The bolt and firing pin assembly is complete and it also includes the internal recoil spring assembly. This is certainly a very rare and early production Springfield Armory Gallery Practice conversion kit.