New Billy the Kid Photograph?
Exciting Developments!
As I’m sure you’re well aware, a ton of fake Billy the Kid photographs have popped up over the last few years. One of the more well-known, the croquet photo, was even featured in a Nat Geo documentary narrated by Kevin Costner.
Spoiler alert: Despite headlines to the contrary, the croquet photograph has NOT been authenticated and has yet to even find a buyer. If you’d like to learn more, including why I personally do not believe it’s authentic, feel free to read my thoughts on the matter.
Most of the time, these photographs are impossible to authenticate. People will simply purchase random old tintypes and then try to reverse engineer who they think is depicted. If, by some twist of fate, the subject happens to be wearing a top hat or has an “Irish” appearance, then they’ll try to claim that it’s a photograph of Billy the Kid.
As of August 2024, there is still just ONE authenticated photo of Billy. It was taken at Fort Sumner in 1880 and shows the Kid standing with a rifle, mouth slightly agape, and wearing a cardigan. This tintype has a clear lineage (provenance) and can be traced from when it was in Billy the Kid's hands all the way to where it currently resides.
It is, without a doubt, a picture of the notorious Billy the Kid.
But what if there’s another photograph of Billy?
The good folks at the Billy the Kid Coalition recently informed me (and the rest of the world) via YouTube of a newly surfaced photo. And, well, let’s just say that the case made for this photograph’s authenticity is extremely compelling.
Long story short, the photo was found in an envelope bearing the letterhead of Sheriff Harvey Whitehill of Grant County, NM.
A worn and handwritten note on the envelope states that it includes a “self-photo likeness in pocket case,” an “old German coin,” and “one U.S. dollar.” The envelope is dated September 23rd, 1875, and at the very bottom, there’s another handwritten note stating that the prisoner’s name was Henry McCarty.
Henry McCarty, of course, was the Kid’s real name. It’s what everyone in Silver City knew him by, and he wouldn’t start going by Antrim or the William H. Bonney alias until later on.
As for the image in question, drum roll please……
And here it is, the newly discovered photograph of Billy the Kid!
Maybe.
I’m often contacted by people hoping that I can authenticate their photos. I can’t, by the way, as I am wholly unqualified and just a mere idiotic podcaster. However, I do always ask them the same question: Does the photograph have provenance? In other words, can we positively connect the picture to the historical Billy the Kid?
The answer regarding the above photo appears to be a resounding yes. After all, the date on the envelope is consistent with Billy’s arrest at the hands of Sheriff Whitehill, and the note makes it very clear that it was a “self-image,” i.e., a photo of the prisoner (Henry McCarty).
The only question is whether or not the envelope is legit or a hoax.
The boys at the Coalition contacted Maynard H. Benjamin, author and former president of the Envelope Manufacturers Association (I didn’t even know such a thing existed). And Mr. Benjamin’s expert opinion is that the envelope is CORRECT for the period.
Not everyone is so convinced, though. As it turns out, the photograph is neither new nor unknown.
According to Wild West History Association member Pamela Fuller Potter, the photo was displayed in the Langford Spraggins Auction Catalog way back in 2006. Not only that but it was also removed at the last minute.
Furthermore, towards the end of his career, Langford Spraggins was known to peddle forged and fabricated items. Not EVERYTHING, mind you, but enough for those in the know to cast a jaundiced eye upon his reputation. Please see the most recent community post by the Billy the Kid Historical Coalition on their YouTube channel, Chasing Billy, to learn more. While you’re there, check out the video where they unveiled the photo. Warning: It may cause you to break out in goosebumps.
I’m admittedly very skeptical whenever these new photos emerge. Most of the time, they don’t even pass the smell test, much less provide providence. This photograph seems different, though. Right away (to me, at least), it smacks of authenticity. That said, passing the Josh smell test and being authentic don’t necessarily go hand in hand. Hell, for all I know, this is just a very elaborate hoax.
I want to make it abundantly clear that I, Josh, the humble host of The Wild West Extravaganza, am not claiming that this photo is authentic.
It’s still very early, and many questions remain. How did the photograph end up in Langford Spraggins's possession? Who currently owns it? And why was it removed from that catalog at the last minute?
I presented these questions to the Coalition just moments before publication, and they are planning on addressing all of these concerns (and more) next week on a YouTube Live. Their channel is Chasing Billy if you want to subscribe and stay up-to-date on any new developments.
As I said, I have corresponded with various members of the Billy the Kid Historical Coalition. We’ve emailed back and forth and even spoken over the phone. I find their research and dedication to history top-notch, and they’re doing great things in the Billy the Kid historical space.
Needless to say, I’ll be following this story closely, and I will keep you abreast (hehe, a breast) of any further revelations. I don’t know about you, but I’m curious to see what else is uncovered.
Just for fun, here’s a side-by-side comparison.
So what do you think? Is the photograph legit or a hoax?
One final word: Something that I often mention on The Wild West Extravaganza is that history is constantly evolving.
The term “revisionist history” has a negative connotation, but the fact remains that new discoveries are always possible. There’s no telling what else could be sitting in a basement in some moldy box, just waiting to be found. Discoveries can and will reshape our understanding of the past, and I find that very exhilirating!
In other news
Last week, we debuted a series on Kit Carson, and Part 2 was released today (this evening at 6:45 PM central time for those of you who prefer YouTube). In Part 2, we’ll follow Kit as he guides John C. Fremont on a series of topographical expeditions, the build-up to the Mexican-American War, and a few massacres that, to this day, remain relatively unknown. I hope you’ll give it a listen and share it with others who might be interested! Also, don’t feel shy about sharing this newsletter!
As always, thank you for all of your support!
Till next time,
Adios!
I'm not fully convinced but the more I have studied the similarities are uncanny.
Really enjoying the Kit Carson series, thanks Josh!