Serial # mystery

[Fast996]

I purchased this rifle and was wondering if anybody has ever seen a serial number altered by a armory. To me it looks like the "one" was added and it looks like a Springfield strike font,atleast to me. Here is a photo....thanks

[Rick the Librarian]

Definitely looks like a "reshuffling" to me.

[Fast996]

Definitely looks like a "reshuffling" to me.

Rick...thanks for the quick reply. Ok,what is the purpose of the "reshuffling"? In other words why does it take place.

[Rick the Librarian]

I agree the "1" looks added on and some of the other numbers look as if they were added on top of previous numbers. If Herschel is around, he might comment - he is the .22 guru on this subject.

[Fast996]

I agree the "1" looks added on and some of the other numbers look as if they were added on top of previous numbers. If Herschel is around, he might comment - he is the .22 guru on this subject.

I have talked to Herschel about this,his take on it is that it is listed on the DCM records as 16878MII, but the funny thing is the bolt is marked "6878". I might add that I haven't inspected the bolt yet,just what the seller said so the last two or one digit could be different. It does look to me that the "1" has been added and the last "8" could have been overstamped. Thanks

If I had to guess 6873

[Jeff L]

Looks like a restrike to me. A bit Fishy.

[Fast996]

Well after further research the rifle is a 1922M1 made in March of 1926 which has the correct armory blued finish for a srvice rifle at that time. The serial number 6878 is correct and I have no idea why the "1" was stamped at a later date. I will probably never know.

[Rick the Librarian]

Look at the last number and the 6 - they both look as if they were struck over other numbers. Certainly a mystery, that's for sure.

[1922M1]

Look at the last number and the 6 - they both look as if they were struck over other numbers. Certainly a mystery, that's for sure.

The "1" has been added whether at the armory or by someone.The script on the front bridge is the early one which makes the added "1" more plausible. The later script on the M1 came after 8000 I believe. The serial number could be "6878" as the bolt is an MI bolt.The rifle looks to be undrilled on the bridge and barrel which is odd for a look of a rust blued rifle .Most club guns and service issue rifles were "black parked" in that period.My observations , when the original poster finds out more hopefully the picture will become clear as to what this is.

[twh]

I think that the 6 and the 7 are part of the original number. Clearly the 1 was added at some time and it looks like both of the 8s are overstruck. I can't tell with the first 8 but the last one looks like it was struck over a 7.

[Herschel]

1922M1 #16878 in the SRS list is another rifle. It is my opinion, based on the added on 1 and the bolt being numbered 6878 is the rifle was a 1922M1 Service Issue rifle numbered 6878. It is very uncommon to find a 1922M1 Issue Type with original finish and 1922M1 bolt. I searched for 25 or years or more for a 1922M1 Issue Type with original finish and parts. I found 1922M1 number 4565 at the Tulsa show last weekend. It even had the proper 1903 NM buttplate. I was fortunate to be able to buy it.

[Fast996]

1922M1 #16878 in the SRS list is another rifle. It is my opinion, based on the added on 1 and the bolt being numbered 6878 is the rifle was a 1922M1 Service Issue rifle numbered 6878. It is very uncommon to find a 1922M1 with original finish and 1922M1 bolt. I searched for 25 or years or more for a 1922M1 Issue Type with original finish and parts. I found 1922M1 number 4565 at the Tulsa show last weekend. It even had the proper 1903 NM buttplate. I was fortunate to be able to buy it.

Wow....thanks Herschel.

[Dick Hosmer]

Just as an aside, from a total novice in this particular niche (but with no small experience in earlier Springfields) I would not even consider touching a gun with an obviously buggered serial number. Evidently, however, that assessment would be completely erroneous in this case.

I was aware that some .22s did have their receivers re-stamped with added information, and in several different formats to boot, but always assumed that the number itself would not change.

[Rick the Librarian]

I had seen letters added, but never extra numbers. News to me.

[Tom in N.J.]

It is well known that on .22 cal rifles M1 was re-stamped to MII and letters added to the serial number upon upgrading to M2. I would think that serial number was changed by an individual to hide the fact the rifle was 'borrowed' and never returned.