Unearthing a Forgotten Jewel: The Riveting Tale of a Photograph Featuring Billy the Kid
Amateur collector Randy Guijarro conveys an encouraging message: “Explore those old trunks and dusty attics; you may stumble upon a concealed gem.” His words carry weight, as his own journey led to the remarkable discovery of a rare photograph featuring the infamous Wild West outlaw, Billy the Kid.
An Unexpected Find at a Secondhand Shop
Back in 2010, Guijarro acquired three tintypes from a thrift store in Fresno, California, for a mere $2 each. Among these, a 4×5 inch photograph depicting Billy the Kid engaged in a game of croquet, dating back to 1878, is now estimated to be worth millions.
Guijarro, a telecommunications specialist, and his wife, Linda, have aspirations of allocating a portion of their unexpected windfall to further explorations. Their dreams revolve around unearthing overlooked historical events, both within the United States and around the world. Guijarro enthusiastically shares, “We cherish the excitement of the hunt and the adventure of exploring together.”
Revealing the Secret of the Tintype
The featured tintype showcases Billy the Kid, originally known as Henry McCarty, leaning on a mallet, surrounded by his fellow gang members, the Regulators, in New Mexico. This discovery holds immense significance as it represents only the second authenticated photograph of the notorious outlaw.
This historic revelation underwent five years of meticulous examination and investigation before gaining validation. Guijarro reflects, “It was an exceptionally challenging process for us to endure. We have been completely candid and transparent throughout; we hope the journey has been as enjoyable for others as it has been for us.”
Despite encountering numerous hurdles and setbacks, the couple’s passion for history remained unwavering. Guijarro remarks, “There have been both moments of elation and moments of despair. It was a lengthy and solitary journey.”
The Legend of Billy the Kid
The name “Billy the Kid” conjures images of Wild West legends. The notorious New Yorker had a brief yet violent criminal career and met his end at the age of 21, shot by Lincoln County Sheriff Pat Garrett. While the outlaw’s folklore attributes 21 murders to him, some historians contend that the actual number is closer to nine. The lone other authenticated photograph of him, taken in 1880, fetched a staggering $2.3 million in 2011.
A Lifetime of Collecting
Guijarro, along with his wife Linda, has devoted a substantial portion of their lives to collecting an array of items, encompassing coins, sports cards, comic books, and vintage photographs. It was during a visit to Fresno’s Tower neighborhood that Guijarro chanced upon Fulton’s Folly Antique Collective, where his historic discovery unfolded.
After negotiating the price down to $2, he selected three photographs, including the iconic image of Billy the Kid. Recognition of the legendary outlaw only came after a week of close examination.
Assisted by his wife, Guijarro successfully identified two other gang members in the photograph, Tom O’Folliard and Charlie Bowdre, through online resources. Guijarro fondly recalls, “That was truly remarkable.”
Unveiling the Past
Together with a team of researchers, facial recognition experts, and fellow collectors, the couple managed to identify all 18 individuals featured in the photograph. They traced its location to a schoolhouse in Chavez County, New Mexico. The photograph was determined to have been taken shortly after a wedding in 1878, mere weeks following the gang’s involvement in the violent Lincoln County War.
Kagin’s Inc., a California-based numismatics company, has insured the photograph for $5 million and is currently seeking a private buyer.
A Future Filled with Exploration
The Guijarros intend to utilize their newfound wealth to purchase a new car, settle debts, and assist close friends and family. Their plans also encompass embarking on additional treasure-hunting expeditions. Guijarro explains, “Hunting is a core part of our lives because if we were to stop, we’d be sitting on a hundred acres of treasures.”
Thus, let the story of Randy and Linda Guijarro serve as an inspiration. You never know what hidden gem you might stumble upon in the most unexpected of places.
