Lot 762 Detail
Cased Belgian Pocket Revolver, Diary and Cabinat Photo Attributed to Virginia City
Prostitute Rose Murphy
Serial no. 2195, .32 caliber, 2 3/8-inch barrel. Nickel-plated finish. Floral engraved
cylinder and frame. Folding trigger. Pearl grips. Contained in associated mahogany casing
together with a Virginia City cabinet photo by Noe & Lee photographers alleged to be
Rose Murphy, and a small "black book" with racy entries by Murphy commenting on
her clientel and their sexual behavior. Label glued into lid of case reading: "Rose
Murphy, Alias 'Rosie Ass Rose', left sporting row 1884, Married a miner who struk [sic] it
ritch [sic]. They moved to San Francisco 1887. Joined Knob Hill society." Sold
together with a note stating that the ensemble was originally the property of the Silver
Dollar Hotel antique shop in Virginia City.
Condition: Revolver: Excellent. Retaining approximately 80-85% finish
with scattered wear and age patina. Photo: showing light crackling to emulsion but image
very clear. Black book with minor wear and age discoloration. Case: Showing wear and
soiling to interior.
Provenance: Virginia City Hotel
Unknown San Francisco buyer
Dick Copp Museum
Gary L. Johnson
Estimate: $300 - $500
