RR Autograph Auctions Bob Dalton Colt Single Action Army Revolver

A Colt Single Action Army Revolver carried by Bob Dalton during the double bank robbery on October 5, 1892, in Coffeyville, Kansas. This Colt, serial number 114188, cal. .45 Colt with a 7.5? barrel, was shipped to the Collins Gun Company, Omaha, Nebraska on March 1, 1889. The included Colt factory letter states that this was a standard blue finish gun with a wood grip. What the letter doesn’t mention is that this was an ‘over-run’ on a US Government contract for cavalry revolvers. The frame, cylinder, and barrel have the government inspector’s initials “D.F.C.,” (David F. Clark) with no ‘US’ stamping on the frame. The one-piece walnut grip is worn and shows no trace of any inspector’s cartouche (as it likely never had one). All serial numbers match, the bore has good rifling with some fine pitting and the hammer safety notch is worn. The metal has a light gray patina with extensive pinprick pitting, all factory lettering is in good condition.

In addition to the Colt Factory letter a notarized handwritten statement dated August 14, 1954, from Morville C. Westenhaver is included. Mr. Westenhaver states that this Colt “#114188 was the gun owned and used by Bob Dalton when he was killed in the battle at Coffeyville, Kansas, October 5, 1892. The gun was picked up by my grandfather M. C. (Aisia) Westenhaver, who was engaged in the same battle. The gun was later carried by my father M. C. Westenhaven II during the gold rush to Cripple Creek, Colorado, in 1893, where I M. C. Westenhaven III was born on Jan. 6, 1907.”

The robberies of two banks at once in Coffeyville were famous because of its spectacular shoot out that ensued. The Dalton Gang was spotted before the robberies began, the townspeople were alerted and armed themselves to protect their savings. Bob Dalton, his brother Grattan Dalton, Bill Powers, and Dick Broadwell were killed; only badly wounded Emmet Dalton survived to serve a prison term. In addition, four citizens of Coffeyville were killed. Newspaper accounts of the period relate that numerous citizens rushed to pick up discarded weapons and other souvenirs.

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