3367

Desirable Stevens "Ideal" Model 51 Factory Engraved Schuetzen Rifle with Target Sights

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Desirable Stevens  Ideal  Model 51 Factory Engraved Schuetzen Rifle with Target Sights
Buyer's Premium is 19.5% by credit card, reduced to 17% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.

Estimate: $3750 - 5500
This is a fine example of a Stevens Ideal Model 51 single shot Schuetzen rifle. This model of 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 as standard with the following 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 leer with two-piece wood panel insert, with a globe front sight and vernier tang mounted rear sight. These were built in a variety of calibers in both center fire and rimfire. The top of the heavy barrel is marked in two line: "J. Steven A&T CO./CHICOPEE FALLS MASS. PAT. OCT 29. 89" and the left side of the barrel is marked with "SHORT" only, indicating the caliber is of 22 Short. It has a Stevens globe front sight, with no provisions for a rear sight. The barrel is marked on the underside with the matching serial number of "4049". The sides of the receiver have deluxe factory engraving that consists of the scroll engraved patterns with a Labrador retriever on the left side and a squirrel on the right. As noted this rifle has the deluxe special select walnut stock and forend, and both have been factory checkered. The lower rear section of the forend has been modified slightly by the addition of a small 1 1/4 inch by 3 inch cork palm or hand rest. This was a common modification in the 1900 to 1930 time frame. The consignor stated that this rifle originally belong to Michael Dorrler, (however no documentation accompanies this rifle to support this) who was from the Hudson gun club in up state New York. He was a noted expert marksman in the 1910-1930 era and was a contemporary of other very famous rifleman such as Harry Pope, A..O. Zischang, Arthur Hubalek, and the Zettler brothers to name a few.
BBL: 28 inch half round/half octagon
Stock: walnut checkered
Gauge: 22 RF Short
Finish: blue/case colors
Grips:
Serial Number: 4049
Condition: Fine with the barrel retaining 75% of its original blue finish with wear on the edges and high spots, with blue loss on the front end and sides of the barrel at the muzzle area, along with a small amount of fine nicks on the sides with some thinning on the top rear flat over the markings. The receiver and loop lever retain traces of their original casehardened finish with the balance of both areas having turned a gray patina overall. The factory engraving is good overall, still visible but showing wear on the flats on both sides. The buttplate retains half of its original nickel plated finish. The refinished stock and forend are both in very good condition, with beautiful grain in the buttstock area and most of their finishes. Very good checkering on both the stock and forend showing only minor handling marks with even honest light wear across the top. As noted above a small cork palm rest has been added to the forend and a small finger rest was also added to the loop lever. Both modifications are very old and are contemporary to the rifle. A very good example of a scarce and desirable Stevens Ideal Model 51 target rifle.