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Gary May's avatar

WWJ :

Providing providence to any elderly photo is a difficult task. History seems to destroy its self. Information is lost or left behind.

I have a 4" x 6 " paper photo that was mounted on a tin backing. Not a tin type .....of a young man wearing scarfs, large ears, gnarly teeth, eyes and eye brows that appears to look like Billy the Kid. Crown height of the black hat is unknown. I have had the picture for 15-20 years and I don't recall where I bought the picture. The picture would have been included in a box of other items. I would have paid less than $ 5.00 for the box of " stuff " I am sure.

I had the photo inspected by a professional ( due to an agreement I am unable to disclose the name of the Company, please don't ask.thanks. ) and a overlay was performed . Results returned... quote " it is Billy the Kid " .

BUT due to this profession being so jaded and disgusted and weary of con artists, counterfeits and fraud the possibility of a legit picture is tossed aside due to the fact that I did not shoot, drink whiskey and ride with Billy or his friends. Now the picture has no value. Money or for a historical artifact.

I am legit, honest and sincere and spent a 24 year career as a Deputy Sheriff. I will take questions and I would allow a review of the photo and the progressive overlay ( my term- a series of photos ) upon request.

Thanks for listening.

Enjoyed your articles Josh.

Respectfully,

Gary

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Jen S's avatar

The biggest thing honestly is the content - playing croquet. I WISH Billy had had a life where that kind of leisure (would we call it refined leisure? feels like it) could have been normal. But it feels so wildly incongruous. Can anyone here actually believe he'd even know how to? Besides goofing around at it (and not after a battle)...

Super late to this, but ty really enjoyed!

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