After what was thought to be the only confirmed photo of Western outlaw Billy the Kid was sold at auction for $2.4 million in 2011, a number of other photos claiming to show the legendary gunslinger surfaced. One, which was purchased at an antique shop for $2 in 2010, allegedly shows Billy, who’s real name is Henry McCarty, playing croquet with members of his gang.
While some of the recent alleged authentications might be because historians can use the 2011 photo for reference, there are skeptics who have questioned the legitimacy of the other claims, considering the potential for profit. The croquet image, for one, has an estimated value of $5 million, although it’s never been sold. Despite the rarity of these photos, a South Jersey auction house has two up for grabs this weekend, and owner Lee Fox is pretty confident in their merit.
“What they teach you is to use due diligence and try to track something down the best you can and authenticate it the best you can,” Fox said. “As far as I’m concerned, I can’t picture anybody having anything more authentic than this is.”…