This is an exceptional original unaltered (military issue) Springfield Model 1922MI bolt action rifle in 22LR. This model is pictured/discussed on page 281-290 of the book “The 03 Springfield” by Brophy. Originally produced circa late 1925 to early 1930s. Original unaltered “military” rifles were fitted with a special “NB” style butt stock with the more squared off pistol grip area with finger-grooves on the sides (like the M1903 Springfield) with a flat military National Match style heavily checkered steel butt plate. Receiver has second pattern, five line Springfield Armory markings over “M1922MI” over SN 14513. Barrel is stamped “SA/Ordnance Shell and Flame/7-27”. Has its original “J5” marked bolt still in the white with matching, etched serial number on the underside, with early pattern M1922MI headless cocking piece. Fitted with pre-war, matching Lyman 48C match rifle rear sight with the standard model 1903 style front sight. The metal retains its original pre-war blue/black armory finish with the bolt and bolt raceways still in the white from the armory. The walnut stock has its original oil dipped finish with sharp edges and finger grooves with no rebuild cartouches or proofs. This is correct as it was not a standard military accepted/issue service rifle. As noted, original military issue rifles are extremely rare as 99% of them were later rebuilt and upgraded to a later configuration, (i.e. the M1922MII and M1922M2) and sold through the NRA in the post WW2 years as a NRA sales rifle. Even the original DCM sales records show a complete gap in the “14XXX” serial number range attesting to the rarity of them all being military issue.

Excellent plus with 98% plus original blue/black prewar metal finish overall with a hint of finish wear/flaking on the very front edge of the floor plate and top of the trigger guard bow, probably from sitting in a display rack. The stock is also in like new condition retaining its original Springfield Armory oil dipped finish with sharp edges, flats and finger grooves. Mechanically excellent. This example is absolutely fabulous and was probably never issued or fired. It is probably the finest example we have ever offered for sale in a long time.