He Bought a $2 Photo at a Flea Market — Turns Out It’s Worth Millions

Surprise Uncovered

Sifting through discarded memorabilia at a junk shop is a hobby many enjoy, but few experience the luck of Randy Guijarro. During one of his regular thrift store hunts, Guijarro stumbled upon a remarkable artifact. In 2010, he purchased a collection of items at a flea market in Fresno, California, for just $2—completely unaware of the treasure he had acquired. It wasn’t until later that he realized he had bought a historically significant photograph: a rare snapshot of the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid, once known as “the most dangerous man in the West.”

A Walk Through History

As Guijarro examined the photograph closely, he found himself looking at an unassuming figure who would come to symbolize America’s Wild West era. The image captured a casual scene from the 1870s, showing a group of people enjoying a game of croquet outside a modest building in New Mexico. But who could have guessed that the young man, wearing a distinctive hat, was none other than the infamous “Billy the Kid”?

Intrigued by the discovery, Guijarro devoted the following year to verifying the photograph’s authenticity. The young man pictured—Henry McCarty, better known as Billy the Kid—was a notorious American gunslinger reputed to have killed eight men before his death at just 21 years old.

He enlisted the help of experts and undertook meticulous research. Through this process, Guijarro uncovered the photograph’s remarkable backstory—it depicted the infamous outlaw alongside his gang, The Regulators. Even more astonishing, this was only the second confirmed photograph of Billy the Kid. The first had sold for $2.3 million in 2011, while this larger, second image was insured for a staggering $5 million.

The Story Behind Billy the Kid and His Outlaws

Billy the Kid’s early life was cloaked in mystery, marked by hardship that soon led him into a world of violence and crime. He became infamous for his role in the Lincoln County War—a brutal feud in New Mexico defined by revenge killings and lawlessness. The photograph not only captures Billy the Kid but also some members of his gang, The Regulators. This group of gunmen, assembled by Englishman John Tunstall, was known for their ruthlessness and quickness, playing a major role in the violent clashes that made the Lincoln County War notorious. Billy the Kid was captured and escaped twice before his final showdown, which resulted in Sheriff Garrett being killed in July 1881.

This rare photograph humanizes these outlaws, showing them not as hardened criminals but as friends relaxing and enjoying a game of croquet. Though Billy the Kid’s criminal life ended tragically young, his story continues to captivate historians and enthusiasts to this day.

From Flea Market Bargain to Million-Dollar Photo

Once authenticated, the value of the photograph skyrocketed. Initially estimated at around $5 million, Guijarro insured it for that amount. The snapshot captured a rare, carefree moment in the life of a notorious criminal—quite the contrast to the only other known photo of Billy the Kid, a tintype showing the hardened outlaw gripping a Winchester rifle.

The validation of Guijarro’s find marked a turning point in how Billy the Kid’s life is portrayed. It revealed a more human side of the desperado, showing that even infamous outlaws had moments of leisure and friendship. This new perspective adds depth to our understanding of these legendary figures, reminding us they were complex individuals beyond their outlaw reputations.

Guijarro’s $2 flea market purchase turned into a historical treasure and a fortune. His story highlights the magic of thrift hunting and the unexpected gems hidden in flea markets, while also underscoring the lasting fascination with the Wild West—a time of lawlessness, adventure, and the pursuit of fortune.

With the proceeds from the photo, Guijarro and his wife plan to continue their treasure hunts. The excitement of uncovering the next big find has fueled their passion, and now they have the means to pursue their adventures for years to come.