The accompanying factory letter confirm the 8 inch barrel, blue finish, factory engraving and grip material. In the letter S&W "historian" Roy Jinks states the revolver "was probably sold on April 20, 1872 and delivered to Max Fielder, St. Petersburg, Russia. This shipment contained 31 units a mix of different revolvers" unfortunately Mr. Jinks did not elaborate on the phenomenal linage and pedigree of this great and rare American serial number 7526. This shipment and likewise serial number range are very important grouping that headlined S&W's factory exhibit at three separate world fairs: Moscow -1872, Vienna 1873 and the grand Philadelphia Centennial in 1876. This revolvers mates, serial number 7532 & 7533 are written about at length, in "Artistry in Arms: The Guns of Smith & Wesson" by Jinks, pages 66 and 67. Young worked with Smith & Wesson as early as 1865 after serving as Colt's Master Engraver and was the in-house engraver for Smith & Wesson starting in 1869 until his death in 1895. The profuse engraving consists of Young's masterful floral scrollwork. Even the hammer features the engraving, a confirming feature of Young's high-grade work. Note the near circular tips of many of the scroll patterns, an attribute strongly associated with Young. The barrel rib has the one-line address/patent dates legend within scallop borders. Matching assembly numbers are on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun in pencil on the back. The partitioned case features a Williams & Powell of Liverpool retailer paper label on the interior of the lid and a blank inlaid circular brass inscription oval on the exterior of the lid and contains a cartridge block holding 20 rounds, screwdriver, oiler, case key and cleaning rod,

Very good plus. 40% plus original blue finish remains on the frame sides and in and around the protected areas, especially on the barrel, recoil shields and frame underside. Patterns of original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The engraving is crisp. The grips are fine with typical age crack on the bottom and minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with a crack on the lid, lock escutcheon absent, minor handling/storage marks and typical high spot wear on the lining. Nearly all of the retailer label remains. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.