The Stevens No. 49 through No. 56 rifles were designed for the Schuetzen competitions popular in the period and are all very desirable. The Stevens Model 51 was manufactured c. 1896-1916 and is a variation of the "Walnut Hill" No. 49 rifle with double set triggers, extra fancy Swiss style buttstock with straight wrist, a large Schuetzen buttplate, and a short loop lever with spur and wood inserts. Scroll engraving was also standard, but this exceptional rifle features very rare game scene engraving. This model was available in the full range of cartridges, and this rifle is chambered for the .22 Short Rimfire cartridge that was very popular for indoor training. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and a tang peep sight. The barrel is tapped and drilled for sight mounting and has the two-line legend on the top flat, "22-SHORT" on the upper left flat," and "SHORT" in small font on the bottom flat under the forearm. The receiver is decorated with a fine factory scroll and game scene engraving. The left side of the receiver feature a bear in an open field, and the right side of the receiver features a mountain lion in an open field scene. The barrel and forearm are numbered to the gun. The action is fitted with double set triggers and the short spurred lever with grip inserts. The barrel and forearm are numbered to the gun. The forearm and pistol grip stock are checkered. A palm rest is attached to the forearm. The buttstock has a cheekpiece and a Schuetzen buttplate.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel retains 90% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The receiver retains 95% original case colors with a crisp engraving. The lever retains 50% original case colors, the balance silvered out. The wood is excellent with minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is the finest Stevens No. 51 we have ever offered at auction!