The Ideal No. 54 was manufactured from the late 1890s until 1916 for off-hand target shooting using both No. 44 and 44 1/2 actions. This example has the more desirable No. 44 1/2 action introduced in 1904 and weighs 12 pounds. It is equipped with a globe front sight, no rear dovetail on the barrel, and a short range Vernier peep sight on the tang adjustable for windage and elevation and a rotating disk allowing selection from multiple aperture sizes. The barrel is marked with the two-line "J. STEVENS A. & T. Co./CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS. U.S.A." marking on top at the breech, "SPECIAL STEEL FOR/SMOKELESS POWDERS" on the upper right, and "28.30" on the upper left. The underside has a "1" and the matching serial number. The receiver has "54 0" on the front face and is engraved with scrollwork patterns and deer (right) and bear (left) panel scenes. It is equipped with double set triggers and a spurred lever with walnut grip panels. The straight wrist stock and Schnabel tip forearm have multi-point checkering and "perch belly" profiles. The stock also has scalloped designs at the rear of the checkering, attractive feathered figure, a high comb, large cheek rest, and a Swiss buttplate. The latter has an identification number of a prior owner as well as the matching partial serial number "083" on the underside. The butt has the same partial serial number in pencil, and "13" is marked on the lever and lever panels. The rear face of the forearm has "G/083." This example has never been fitted with a palm rest and includes a wooden bore rod.

Very fine overall. 85% plus original blue finish and 60% original case colors remain. The buttplate has aged bronze tones. There is some minor fading and marks at the breech, scattered handling and storage marks throughout, minor silvering of the frame, and some small patches of light spotting. The engraving patterns, markings, and the checkering are crisp throughout. The wood has a few minor dings and slight scratches from handling and storage, primarily at the edges, and retains strong original finish. The right lever grip panel has a crack on the interior that is only visible when it is dismounted. The action functions excellently. This is a wonderful example of a Stevens Schuetzen Special rifle.