Amateur antique collector Randy Guijarro has a message for you: “Explore the old trunks and dusty attics; you might stumble upon a hidden treasure.” And he knows what he’s talking about because he found a rare photograph of the notorious Wild West outlaw, Billy the Kid.
An Unexpected Find
Back in 2010, Guijarro made a remarkable discovery when he bought three tintypes from a thrift store in Fresno, California. Little did he know that one of these images, a 4×5 inch photo of Billy the Kid playing croquet from 1878, would turn out to be worth millions.
Guijarro, a telecommunications specialist, and his wife Linda have big plans for their unexpected fortune. They dream of delving into neglected historical events both in the USA and around the world. Together, they love the thrill of the chase and exploring new horizons.
Unveiling a Tintype’s Secret
The tintype Guijarro bought features Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarty, leaning on a mallet with his gang members, the Regulators, surrounding him in New Mexico. What makes this discovery exciting is that it is only the second authenticated photograph of this notorious figure.
This historic find underwent five years of intense scrutiny and investigation before experts deemed it authentic. Guijarro admits, “It was a challenging journey for us. We’ve been completely transparent, and we hope you had an enjoyable ride.”
The Legend of Billy the Kid
Billy the Kid’s name is synonymous with Wild West tales. This infamous New Yorker had a brief but violent criminal career and met his end at the age of 21, shot dead by Lincoln County Sheriff Pat Garrett. While the legend says he committed 21 murders, some historians believe it was closer to nine. The only other confirmed photograph of Billy the Kid, taken in 1880, sold for an astonishing $2.3 million in 2011.
A Lifetime of Collecting
Guijarro and his wife Linda have dedicated a significant part of their lives to collecting various items, including coins, sports cards, comic books, and vintage photographs. It was during a trip to Fresno’s Tower neighborhood that Guijarro stumbled upon Fulton’s Folly Antique Collective, where he made his historic find.
After some haggling, Guijarro managed to buy the three photos, including the iconic shot of Billy the Kid, for a mere $2. It took a week of careful examination before he realized the true significance of the outlaw in the photo.
With the help of his wife, Guijarro identified two other gang members, Tom O’Folliard and Charlie Bowdre, through online resources. It was a truly thrilling moment for Guijarro.
Uncovering the Past
Together with a team of researchers, facial recognition specialists, and fellow collectors, the Guijarros managed to identify all 18 individuals in the photo and trace the location to a schoolhouse in Chavez County, New Mexico. They concluded that the photo was taken shortly after a wedding in 1878, just a month after the gang’s involvement in the bloody Lincoln County War.
Kagin’s Inc., a California numismatics company, has insured the photograph for $5 million and is currently searching for a private buyer.
A Future Full of Adventure
The Guijarros plan to use their newfound wealth to buy a new car, pay off debts, and help close friends and relatives. They also have their sights set on more treasure hunts. As Guijarro explains, “Hunting is essential because if we didn’t, we’d be sitting on a hundred acres of stuff.”
So, let Randy and Linda Guijarro’s story inspire you. You never know what hidden gem you might discover in the most unlikely of places. Keep exploring, keep searching, and keep the spirit of adventure alive!
