mr.deepakhack
In the world of antiques and rare collectibles, incredible discoveries often start in the most unexpected places. That was the case for Randy Guijarro, a California-based collector who purchased a small batch of vintage photographs for just $2 at a Fresno thrift store in 2010. Among the black-and-white images was a photo that would later be identified as a priceless piece of American history—featuring none other than the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid and his gang, the Regulators.
What began as a casual find has since been authenticated by historical experts and is now valued at an astonishing $5 million, making it one of the most remarkable photo discoveries of the 21st century.
The Incredible Discovery
A Simple Purchase with Unbelievable Consequences
When Guijarro picked up the photo, he was simply drawn to its aesthetic appeal. “I just liked how it looked,” he later told reporters. He had no idea the tintype image he held might depict one of the most elusive and mythologized figures of the American Wild West.
The photograph, which shows a group of men playing croquet in a rustic, countryside setting, seemed innocent enough. But one figure caught Guijarro’s eye—a man who bore a striking resemblance to known images of Billy the Kid.
Over the next several years, Guijarro and his wife Linda embarked on a mission to authenticate the image. They consulted historians, forensic experts, and eventually, Kagin’s Inc., a numismatic and Americana expert firm, which verified the photograph’s authenticity in 2015.
Who Was Billy the Kid?
Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarty and also known as William H. Bonney, was an outlaw and gunfighter who lived during the late 1800s. He became famous for his role in the Lincoln County War in New Mexico and was rumored to have killed 21 men—one for each year of his life—before being shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in 1881.
His legend has only grown over the years, making any legitimate image of him an invaluable piece of history.
The Historical Significance of the Photo
Only the Second Confirmed Image
Until Guijarro’s discovery, only one confirmed photograph of Billy the Kid existed—a 2×3 inch tintype taken in 1880 that sold for $2.3 million in 2011 at a Denver auction.
The new photo, which dates back to 1878, is not only older but even more historically valuable: it features Billy the Kid with his gang, the Regulators, marking the first and only known image of the group together.
Why This Photo Matters
Jeff Aiello, executive director of the documentary “Billy the Kid – New Evidence,” referred to the photo as “the rarest photograph in the world.” Its significance lies not only in the rarity of images of Billy the Kid but also in the context it provides. The relaxed scene of the outlaws playing croquet humanizes figures who have long been portrayed only through tales of violence and rebellion.
“This isn’t the typical image of a gunslinger,” Aiello said. “It shows camaraderie, youth, and a glimpse into a quieter moment of the Wild West.”
Authentication Process
The journey to authenticate the photo took years and involved multiple disciplines:
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Facial recognition and forensic imaging were used to match facial features with the only other known photo of Billy the Kid.
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Period clothing analysis matched the attire to late 1870s New Mexico.
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Location verification placed the setting near Chaves County, where the gang was known to have been based during 1878.
Kagin’s Inc., known for its rigorous authentication standards, worked alongside researchers and even used satellite imagery to pinpoint the landscape in the background.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
Since being authenticated, the image has gained massive media attention and has been featured on CBS Evening News, ABC30, and in countless national publications. The story captivated audiences not only for its historical value but also for the incredible return on investment—a $2 purchase with a multimillion-dollar valuation.
Documentary Coverage
The story became the subject of the documentary “Billy the Kid – New Evidence” produced by Jeff Aiello and aired on the National Geographic Channel. The film walks viewers through the discovery, verification, and implications of the photo.
What Is a Tintype?
The photograph was produced using tintype technology, also known as ferrotype, a popular photographic method in the 19th century. Tintypes were made by creating a direct positive on a thin sheet of metal coated with a dark lacquer or enamel. Though cheap to produce at the time, these images are now prized by collectors due to their durability and historical value.
The Potential Value
Experts estimate the 1878 croquet photo to be worth at least $5 million, making it one of the most valuable historical photographs ever found. Several factors influence its value:
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Historical rarity
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Image clarity and preservation
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Association with Billy the Kid and the Regulators
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Cultural impact
If it is sold at auction, it is likely to attract global interest from collectors, museums, and institutions seeking to preserve key pieces of American history.
A Reminder of Why Antiques Matter
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this story is Guijarro’s initial motivation for purchasing the photo: he simply liked it.
“When you buy something because it speaks to you, that’s all the reason you need,” Guijarro said.
This story is a reminder that many treasures remain hidden in plain sight—on thrift store shelves, in dusty boxes, or at estate sales. It underscores the importance of curiosity, intuition, and a deep appreciation for history.
Conclusion
Randy Guijarro’s $2 photograph has turned out to be one of the most valuable and historically significant finds in recent memory. Featuring Billy the Kid and the Regulators in an unexpected moment of leisure, the image challenges our understanding of the Wild West and adds a priceless artifact to the story of American folklore.
This discovery serves not only as an incredible investment but as a symbol of the enduring intrigue surrounding one of history’s most legendary figures.
Sources
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CBS Evening News
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ABC30 News
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Kagin’s Inc. Official Statement
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National Geographic: Billy the Kid – New Evidence
