Another Billy The Kid Photograph (??)

[Jack Flash]

I ran across this on YouTube. As soon as I saw the tintype, I thought it looked like Henry McCarty (Kid Antrim / Billy Bonny / Bill the Kid). Note that "the Kid" is standing on a rock next to the other man so it is not quite so obvious how slight and small he is.

I was a little disappointed that the analysis of the photo seems to be pretty much home-brewed. It would be nice to see something done with high powered facial recognition technology. Maybe the video maker purposely avoided this. Nevertheless, the video is only about 15 minutes and I hope it generates an interesting discussion here.


[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPn18O_NbA8[/ame]

 

[THE PILGRIM]

That dude is tedious!
Also noticed he’s not a photo scientist- techie - computer- history geek.
He’s an auctioneer!
I walked into the Lincoln County Courthouse without malice or bad intentions.
Sitting behind the front desk was a tough looking dude dressed in black.
And his hat was black! Everybody knows what that means!
Maybe I should reassess.
I watch his hands as I move in closer.
That’s not hard to do as he’s reading a paperback book.
He slowly looks up at me through his tinted glasses.
I’m thinking, I’m not asking for his autograph unless he asks for mine!
Are you Drew Gomber?
Who wants to know?
So I tell him.
Drew is one of The Real Deal Billy the Kid Experts.
I did ask him about the Kid and Croquet picture.
He says no way Jose!
I didn’t know about this one or I certainly would have asked him.

What History Has Taught Me: Drew Gomber, History Buff - True West Magazine

 

[mattallamerican]

im not convinced

 

[Jack Flash]

Since the croquet tintype was found and estimated to be worth a couple million, it seems like there is a big incentive to find more of these. Obviously, there is a strong incentive to create a fake and / or make wild unfounded claims.

I have to think that if the guy who made the video is serious, he would get this analyzed by professionals. As it is, he only offers his own amateur opinions along with self-serving surmises and speculations. Some of the statements in the video, like there were only a couple dozen white men in Lincoln County the day the picture was taken, sound ridiculous.

Still, it does look like the Kid to me. I enjoyed reading some of the comments people left about the tintype / video. Sure does look like the same beat up hat!

 

[THE PILGRIM]

When Drew went into his it ain't the Kid rant-
He says that's not the Kid's hat in the 'real' posed pic with rifle.
So according to Drew, that hat is not a reliable identifier.
Did the video guy ever tell us who is the guy with Billy?
One reason I like the Croquet shot is some of the folks look like Billy's gang members.
The ‘Billy’ image being blurry and the poorest one in that picture.
On the other hand, these folks look like any number of Lincoln County Low Lifes!
The last time I was down that way, I had lunch in The Lincoln County Grill.
I think I saw some descentants of those folks who are in the in the pictures!

 

[Valmet]

im not convinced

+1. Nor am I.

 

[chief38]

Inconclusive IMHO.

 

[Jack Flash]

I would like to know if an expert on clothing of the 1870s - 1880s could authenticate if what they are wearing is at least period correct.

I really don't know enough to say, but something looks really 1930s about their clothes and hair styles. IIRC, the Kid had long hair (?)

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Another investment opportunity I will have to pass on to others.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

The Cowboys didn’t make much money and often lived in remote locations.
So it’s not exactly big new that they cut each other’s hair.
The location of Croquet pic is supposedly The Tunstall Ranch.
That was very remote in those days.
Hold on girls- it’s still remote in these days!
In NM, some things never seem to change!
Clothes- when Drew was full rant, he did mention the sweater in the Croquet pic.
Here’s a picture that I have confidence in!

 

[hittman77]

something looks really 1930s about their clothes

My thoughts exactly!

I ain't buying it .......

 

[THE PILGRIM]

It almost looks like Billy is wearing a belt.
Back in the day, regular pants didn’t have belt loops.
This sporty looking Rowdy has buttons for suspenders.
His gun belt appears to be canvas, that was fairly common.
I like his chaps!

 

[Watchdog]

The "new" photograph does not look authentic to me.

 

[mauser9]

That other recent photo sold for a pretty penny I recall. Wish I had bought it originally