Tranter Model 1868 solid frame revolver, retailed by James W. Rosier, Melbourne, cased

Date Uploaded: 6 May 2012

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A cased presentation-grade Tranter model 1868 solid frame revolver with rich foliate engraved frame with gold wash.

It is believed that this cased set was purchased from James Rosier by notable Victorian pastoralist, John Hunter Kerr, c. 1870. An escutcheon inlaid into the case lid is engraved 'John H. Kerr'. Rosier was only at 45 Little Collins Street - the address on the trade label - between 1867-70. The trade directories show no likely candidates, until John Hunter Kerr moved to Melbourne in 1870 to take up the role of Inspector of Sheep. He died shortly afterwards, in 1874.

Kerr is well-known today for his amateur photographic work, particularly his early images of Victorian aboriginals during his time on the Loddon River, in north west Victoria, during the late 1840s and into the 1850s.

Madeleine Say, Pictures Librarian at the State Library of Victoria, has written on Kerr's photographic work, a web version of which can be found at the below link:

http://nishi.slv.vic.gov.au/latrobejournal/issue/latrobe-76/t1-g-t5.html