Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a fantastic piece of memorabilia from the days of Klondike Gold rush! Here we have a MASSIVE solid brass beer keg tap, which has a large fitting on the spout where a hammer would be used to drive it into the keg. This is marked with No 3 KEG, and the tap has a large brass petcock type valve with a handle on top. This may have been greased or waxed to help with the seal. It is about 11 1/2 inches in total length, and weights 7lbs.

On the right side of the pouring spout is the following inscription:

JEFF SMITHS PARLOR
SKAGUAY

Knowing of the usual state of local affairs during the Klondike Gold Rush, we assumed this was probably the name of some "den of ill repute", but we were not anticipating the volume of information we were able to find! "Jeff Smith's Parlor" did exist, and in fact still does, as part of the "Skagway Historic District", and is maintained by the National Park Service. Information can be found on their website: Jeff. Smiths Parlor Museum.

The parlor was the last of many ventures by American Frontier con artist, outlaw, and gangster Jeffrey Randolph "Soapy" Smith II, who came to Skagway to take advantage of the gold rush. He attempted a town takeover, which failed, and opened a saloon named Jeff. Smith's Parlor in March 1898 as an office from which to run his operations. Although Skagway already had a municipal building, Smith's saloon became known as "the real city hall." It served as the headquarters for his "Soap Gang" in the area.

Unfortunately his time at the parlor proved to be short, as Jeff "Soapy" Smith was killed during the Shootout on Juneau Wharf, July 8, 1898, at the age of 37. For more information on this colorful character, please see their page on Wikipedia: Soapy Smith.

A great piece of Gold Rush memorabilia, ready to add to your collection!