A COLLECTOR who spent £7 on an old photograph on eBay has found out it is an original image of infamous American outlaw Jesse James and could be worth up to £2.27 million.
Justin Whiting from Spalding in Lincolnshire bought the 19th-century photograph in July 2017.
Described as a ‘Victorian Tintype photograph', the image was made by the old method of applying chemicals to a thin metal sheet.
Justin noticed a marked similarity between the young man in the picture and a photo of Jesse James he found in a book.
He got in contact with a California-based 19th-century photography expert by the name of Will Dunniway, who studied the picture and concluded that it was a genuine portrait of James taken when the outlaw was just 14 years old.
His report said: “The age of this image was about 1861-1862 and is correct in every way to this period.
“When it is compared to the much-used comparison image I believe it was taken on the same day by the same photographer.
“It is very evident by the face, haircut, jacket, shirt and tie that this is the same image of Jesse James at 14 years old. One of the originals.
Justin was even more astonished when the expert informed him that the picture could sell for seven figures.
The online collector has not indicated yet whether or not he is going to sell the picture.
The photograph was sent to Los Angeles forensic expert Kent Gibson who has also verified evidence for the FBI.
FOX NEWS: Jesse James jackpot: Outlaw photo bought on eBay for $10 could be worth $2 million pic.twitter.com/3S3v5MOqsU
— Noel Pereira (@champcash1964) March 20, 2018
