The included factory letter indicates this revolver was originally shipped around November 4, 1858, to engraver R. B. Inshaw in Chicopee, Massachusetts, with blue and silver plated finish and rosewood grips. Roy G. Jinks speculates that Inshaw may have engraved the revolver for himself and also fitted the current grips at that time. Richard Bates Inshaw began engraving for Smith & Wesson starting with the time of production of the very first revolvers manufactured by the new company, both according to the letter and R. L. Wilson in "Steel Canvas." He was one of Smith & Wesson's first contract engravers, possibly the first, and is listed as a gunsmith and engraver in the 1858-1859 Springfield, Chicopee, and Chicopee Falls directory. He was born in England and moved to New York City in 1830 and then to Chicopee in 1836 where he worked on engraving initially for Ames Manufacturing Co. Early sources say he was one of the best silver engravers in the country at the time, and he is known to have engraved an Ames presentation sword given General Winfield Scott of War of 1812, Black Hawk War, Mexican-American War, and Second Seminole War fame in 1847. Scott was the longest serving Commanding General of the U.S. Army. Perhaps this revolver was engraved to demonstrate Inshaw's abilities to the company though they were likely already known. It has detailed floral scroll engraving patterns on the barrel, cylinder, and frame. The standard Smith & Wesson markings are not visible and were likely removed when the gun was prepared for engraving. However, the serial numbers are only partially worn away and appear to all match. It has the standard Third Type features except that the bore is smooth instead of having three groove rifling.