Outlaw & Bank Robber EMMETT DALTON Signed Letter PSA 8
Outlaw & Bank Robber EMMETT DALTON Signed Letter PSA 8
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Title:
1937 Typed Letter Signed by Emmett Dalton of the Infamous Dalton Gang – PSA/DNA Slabbed and Graded NM-MT 8
Description:
Offered here is a rare and historically compelling Typed Letter Signed (TLS) by Emmett Dalton, former member of the notorious Dalton Gang, dated May 8, 1937, and sent from Hollywood, California. The letter is addressed to a correspondent named "Berth" and is typed on a single sheet of cream-colored paper. Emmett Dalton has signed the letter clearly in black ink at the bottom, “Emmett Dalton,” beneath his typed name.
The letter is encapsulated in a tamper-proof PSA/DNA holder and has received a Near Mint-Mint 8 autograph grade, attesting to the signature’s strength and clarity. PSA certification number 84429850 is displayed on the label.
Full Transcription:
HOLLYWOOD CALIF
MAY 8th 1937DEAR BERTH:
GOT YOUR LETTER OF APRIL 28TH ALL O.K. AND GLAD TO HEAR FROM YOU. THE NAMES YOU SENT ME OF “ALL THEM OLD TIMERS” SOUNDS LIKE A “DRAG” FROM SOME STEAL.
YES, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE ALL OF THEM BUT I AM SORRY I AM OUT OF “DATE” WITHOUT SOME TIME I MAY FOOL THEM.
OF AFTER YOUR “SALE” THAT IS, IT MAY BE THAT YOU WILL FOOL THEM, SINCE MY BOOK HAS BEEN ISSUED. ANY WAY DO YOUR “SALEING” AND WE WILL BE SATISFIED. WRITE ME WHEN YOU THINK OF IT AND WE WILL GO ALL OVER THE GROUND, THEN I SEND YOU. I HOPE YOU HAVE A NICE TRIP AND I MAY BE ABLE TO SEE YOU BEFORE LONG.
VERY TRULY YOURS,
[Signed] Emmett Dalton
EMMETT DALTON
Historical Context:
Emmett Dalton (1871–1937) was a member of the infamous Dalton Gang, a group of outlaws active in the American Old West during the 1890s. The gang is most remembered for their ill-fated attempt to rob two banks simultaneously in Coffeyville, Kansas, in 1892—an event that ended in a deadly shootout. Emmett was the only surviving gang member and served 14 years in prison before being pardoned. He later moved to California and attempted to reinvent himself as a writer and actor, publishing books and consulting on Western films.
This letter reflects Dalton’s life decades after his outlaw days, as he interacted with admirers and perhaps correspondents interested in his story or his book “Beyond the Law.” His casual tone and self-deprecating humor offer a fascinating window into his character and his efforts to reshape his legacy in the public eye.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
This letter has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA, with the signature graded NM-MT 8. The encapsulated label reads: “LETTER – EMMETT DALTON – PSA/DNA CERTIFIED – AUTO GRADE NM-MT 8,” and includes certification number 84429850, which can be verified through PSA's authentication database.
Closing Appeal:
A remarkable and highly collectible piece from one of the Old West's most legendary figures, this signed 1937 letter from Emmett Dalton offers both personal insight and a tangible connection to the fading frontier era. Authenticated and beautifully preserved, it’s a superb addition for collectors of Wild West memorabilia, American outlaw history, or rare outlaw autographs.
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