Rembrandt, over the years I have always felt your screen name was approrpriate!
My oldest 22 rifle is a 1962 Remington 513-T. It shoots fine. I have handguns that are older in 22. I have always wanted to find a Remington M37 for a fair price and of course when I have the available funds to cover it. The two have not matched up yet.
My Dad's guns went to my brothers since they don't have the firearm inventory that I do. But I learned to shoot with a Remington 572. Then I got my own Mossberg. Money was tight back then.
One of the things that really appeal to me about the older 22 rifles is that almost all of them have walnut stocks and for the most part well made.