This is an very fine example of a Stevens Ideal Model 53 single shot Schuetzen rifle. This model rifle was basically the same as the Model 51 but with the fancier wood and palm rest. This rifle were manufactured from 1896-1902. This model uses the 44 action which is factory floral scroll engraved with a hunter taking aim with his rifle on the left side and a running buck on the right side. The rifle is fitted with a heavy 30 inch part octagon barrel marked "J. STEVENS A&T CO./CHICOPEE FALLS MASS. U.S.A. PAT. APR 17 94" flanked by Maltese crosses on the top flat near the breech and the matching serial number is marked on the bottom directly ahead of the forearm. The barrel is equipped with a windage adjustable vernier front globe sight with removable apertures, there are no provisions for a rear sight and there is a short range vernier tang mounted peep sight. The tang sight has 6 settings on the aperture and the disc is marked "PATD. MAY 17, 1882". The face of the receiver is marked with "53" and "0" and the serial number is on the lower tang. Blue barrel and casehardened remaining parts, double set triggers, lever with wood loop and mounted with a multi point checkered walnut forearm with palm rest and straight grip stock with a cheek piece and long prong Schuetzen buttplate.

Fine. The barrel retains 50% original blue finish with extensive areas of brown patina and scattered pin prick type pitting. 25% of the original case colors remain with a gray patina on the balance. There is some moderate pitting on the lever. The iron buttplate has a gray appearance and shows heavy pitting. The wood is very fine overall. There is a transverse screw through the stock wrist where it has been repaired. The wood retains almost all of the varnish, shows some scattered minor dents and dings, the checkering on the left side of the wrist has been recut and overall the checkering is crisp. The markings remain crisp and clear, as does the engraving. The set trigger functions properly and the action is excellent.