In the gripping story of the discovery of Billy the Kid’s photograph, we delve into the story of “Discovering the Lost Relic.” Randy Guijarro, an amateur antiquarian, delivers a profound message: “Explore the depths of old trunks and dusty attics for there is the potential to uncover hidden treasures.” For Guijarro, this is not just a clichéd saying; it embodies a principle born from his own experience – the story of stumbling upon an irreplaceable relic, a relic that connects us to the infamous outlaw of the Wild West, Billy the Kid.
The Exciting Story of Billy the Kid’s “Finding a Lost Gem” Photo
In the world of antique collecting, nothing beats the thrill of uncovering a hidden gem, an artifact that carries with it a piece of long-forgotten history. Amateur antiques enthusiast Randy Guijarro knows the thrill of coming across a priceless likeness of the notorious Wild West outlaw, Billy the Kid. His journey not only confirms the timeless appeal of historical monuments but also serves as inspiration for those who yearn to uncover the secrets of days gone by.
A surprising find at a thrift store
In 2010, Guijarro paid $2 each for three types at a thrift store in Fresno, California. One of them, a 4×5 inch photo of Billy the Kid playing croquet from 1878, is now worth millions of dollars.
Telecom expert Guijarro and his wife Linda intend to embark on further explorations with some of their windfall. They have a dream to bring to light forgotten historical events at home and abroad. We enjoy traveling the world together and experiencing the rush of the chase, says Guijarro.
Revealing Tintype’s Secret
The color type in question shows Henry McCarty, better known as Billy the Kid, leaning on a cane while surrounded by members of his Regulators gang in New Mexico. This find is notable because it is the second confirmed image of the notorious person.
It took five years of study and investigation before this historic find was found to be genuine. It was quite difficult for us to observe, says Guijarro. We hope the journey has been pleasant as we have been completely honest and transparent with you.
The couple’s enthusiasm from the past has endured despite obstacles and disappointments. There are happy and sad moments. It’s been a long and lonely journey, Guijarro said.
The Myth of Billy the Kid
It is well known that “Billy the Kid” is a character from the stories of the Wild West. The notorious New Yorker was gunned down at the age of 21 after a short but brutal criminal career by Lincoln County Sheriff Pat Garrett. While the outlaw reportedly killed 21 people, some historians believe the number was closer to nine. The only other known picture of him was taken in 1880 and sold in 2011 for a whopping $2.3 million.
Collecting career
Guijarro devoted a significant part of his life to collecting many artifacts, including coins, sports cards, comic books, and old photographs alongside his wife Linda. Guijarro made his historic find at Fulton’s Folly Antique Collective, which he discovered while visiting Fresno’s Tower area.
After negotiating the price to $2, he selected three images that included the iconic image of Billy the Kid. After a week of careful inspection, he finally identified the famous outlaw.
Online sources allowed Guijarra to identify the two other gang members in the picture, Tom O’Folliard and Charlie Bowdre, with the help of his wife. Guijarro recalls exclaiming, “That was really fantastic.”
Exploring the past
Working with a team of scientists, facial recognition experts, and other collectors, the pair were able to correctly identify each of the 18 people in the image and identify the scene as a school building in Chavez County, New Mexico. They concluded that the picture was taken no more than a month after the gang took part in a brutal war in Lincoln County, just after the wedding in 1878.
The painting was insured for $5 million by California-based numismatic firm Kagin’s Inc., which is currently seeking a private buyer.
The future of exploration
The Guijarros intend to use their newfound money to help several close friends and family members, pay off debt and buy a new car. They also intend to start more treasure hunts. To quote Guijarro, “Hunting is essential because if we didn’t do it, we’d be sitting on a hundred acres.”
So be inspired by the story of Randy and Linda Guijarro. The lesson is clear: hidden treasures are waiting to be discovered in the most unlikely places. The past, with its untold stories and forgotten artifacts, has the power to illuminate our present and inspire our future. In a world where the allure of the new often overshadows the value of the old, their story reminds us that within the folds of time lie stories of incomparable riches, waiting for those curious to uncover them.