I recently picked up a Springfield NRA Sporter sn. 1,255,588 Barrel date is 4/23. It has been verified through SRS records as being shipped in May 1923. It is "unmolested"... original finish on wood & metal show honest wear and there are no extra holes. Bolt is not serial numbered... the muzzle has the "star gauge". Star gauge numbers are actually on the top of the barrel, rather than under the forend of the stock.
Springfield NRA Sporter production began with serial number 1,255,586... just two numbers earlier. I've learned receivers were heat treated in batches and rifles weren't necessarily finished in numerical order... but I've become very curious about the whereabouts of the first two rifles in the serial number range? When were these rifles sold by Springfield and where were they shipped, if known? Also wondering if Springfield kept a rifle for their museum?