This is an extremely fine example of a Stevens Ideal Model 51 single shot Schuetzen rifle. This model rifle was basically an upgraded, deluxe version of the standard Stevens Walnut Hill target rifle that was produced from 1896-1916. This model was specifically equipped with the following standard features: scroll engraved receiver, double set triggers, straight grip stock, deluxe, checkered walnut stock and forend, heavy weight #4 barrel, nickel plated double prong Schuetzen buttplate, short loop lever with two-piece wood panel insert, with a globe front sight and Vernier tang mounted rear sight. This rifle has a level in the rear sight dovetail slot. These were built in a variety of calibers in both center fire and rimfire. The top flat of the heavy 30 inch barrel is marked in two lines "J. Steven A&T CO./CHICOPEE FALLS MASS. U.S.A. PAT. APR 17 94" flanked by Maltese crosses and the left side of the barrel is marked "32.40". The extra barrel is 28 inches in length and marked with the same top flat address, patent date and the left rear flat "25.21". Both barrels are marked with the matching serial number on the bottom flat, one under the forearm and the other ahead of the forearm, and with the number "2". Additionally the 25-21 barrel has the number "1" on the bottom flat. Each has its own nicely figured checkered walnut forearm, with "1/060" stamped on the rear of the 25-21 forearm and "4060" on the other. The face of the receiver is marked "0" and "51". The extra barrel has a globe front sight and a level in the rear sight slot. The sides of the receiver have deluxe factory engraving that consists of the scroll engraved patterns with a deer on the left side and a prong horn antelope on the right. As noted this rifle has the deluxe special select walnut stock with multi-point checkered wrist, cheekpiece and double prong Schuetzen buttplate. The rifle comes with a wooden case containing various items including an Ideal bullet mold for each caliber, Ideal re & decapper for each caliber, an Ideal 32-165 bullet mold, Ideal No. 3 special 32-40 resizer, Ideal ball seater for each caliber, iron pot for melting lead and a UMC No. 1 tin of primers, mostly full and a UMC No. 2 primer tin, partially full. Also with the rifle is a contemporary maple display case with glass front. The case is designed for wall mounting. Included is an article from the November 1969 issue of "The American Rifleman" about the development of the Stevens Ideal rifles, a purchase order dated 1901 with Ideal Manufacturing heading, and a letter regarding ammunition and molds for a Stevens Rifle.

Extremely fine. The barrels retain 95% period refurbished blue finish with areas beginning to thin to a smooth gray and plum, and high edge wear. The receiver retains 97% original case colors. The buttplate retains 85% original case colors with some areas of smooth dove gray and some brown speckling. The lever retains most original faded case colors with a smooth silver gray patina on the balance. The forearms and stock are also excellent with a couple of moderate scratches on the stock below the cheekpiece, overall some minor dings and handling marks, and crisp checkering. The engraving and markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. The accessories are all good, the case is broken in the back causing the lid to be loose when open. The display case is very good with a couple crude repairs and alterations on the back.