Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a Colt Model 1878 Sheriff’s Model shipped December 15, 1886 to Thomas Carter, attributed to “Arkansas Tom” of the Doolin-Dalton Gang. The hard rubber grips are period hand-carved “Arkasas Tom C” (Arkansas misspelled) and “W.Y.”
Born Roy Daugherty in 1870 from a family of preachers, he used aliases including Tom Carter. He became a train and bank robber with the Wild Bunch, also known as the Doolin-Dalton Gang or Oklahombres.
Bill Doolin teamed with Bill Dalton after the Dalton Gang was wiped out at Coffeyville in 1892. Arkansas Tom became the “hero” of the Ingalls gunfight September 2, 1893, saving five gang members battling U.S. Marshals. Several marshals were wounded and three killed. Doolin, Dalton, Little Dick, Red Buck, and Bitter Creek escaped thanks to Arkansas Tom’s gunplay.
Arkansas Tom killed Deputy Marshal Thomas Hueston during the shootout. He was captured after Deputy Marshal Jim Masterson threw dynamite into his position. When surrendering, he “threw down his rifle and six-gun” – likely this revolver. He was convicted and sentenced to fifty years in territorial prison.
Arkansas Tom was paroled in 1910. On August 16, 1924, he was killed by Joplin, Missouri police while robbing a bank – the last member of the Dalton and Doolin Gangs killed.
Only 647 ejectorless Sheriff’s Model 1878 revolvers shipped in .44-40 WCF, with just 289 in this configuration – 4 inch barrel and nickel finish. The barrel carries “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Arkansas Tom Attributed Colt Sheriff’s 1878 Frontier Six Shooter.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4096/108/arkansas-tom-attributed-colt-sheriffs-1878-frontier-six-shooter. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
Writer | TheFirearmBlog
Writer | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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