American History: Premier Auction

Photograph, 1.75 x 3.75 in., on 2 x 4.25 in. mount, showing Dalton Gang members following their failed raid in Coffeyville, KS, October 5, 1892. The postmortem view shows Tom Evans, Bob Dalton, Frank Dalton, and Texas Jack/Tom Moon/Dick Broadwell (incorrectly identified as John), with period ink identification on verso as well as the inscription, "Property of Bruce L. Norton / Homer, NY / R.E.D.B. to Spafford / Coffeyville, Kan. 10/05/92." An accompanying note from the consignor relates that Bruce Norton was in Coffeyville at the time that the gang attempted to rob the banks. 

The Dalton boys -- Bob, Grat, Emmett and Frank -- grew up leading a hard-scrabble existence in Missouri, Indian Territory and Kansas, four of a family of thirteen children. Early in their adulthood Frank, Bob and Grat served briefly as Deputy Marshals in Indian Territory and Fort Smith, AR. Frank, described by many as an outstanding peace officer, was killed on November 27, 1887 while attempting to arrest a horse-thief. Not long afterward, Bob and Grat turned away from the law to a criminal career.

For a brief two-year span between 1890-1892, Bob and Grat, along with baby brother Emmett, rustled cattle and other livestock, robbed a number of trains, and killed an unknown number of men in their escapades. Vowing to outdo Jesse James, Bob planned the robbery of two banks at once in the sleepy town of Coffeyville, KS. On October 5, 1892, wearing disguises, the Dalton brothers and accomplices Bill Powers, Dick Grattan and Dick Broadwell rode into town intent on pulling the double heist. Caught in the act by an alert citizen who warned other townspeople, the gang soon found itself caught in a withering hail of bullets. All but Emmett were killed, along with four Coffeyville residents. Emmett survived despite 23 gunshot wounds and went on to a career in acting and real estate after serving 14 years for the crime.