For decades, an old book sat untouched in a family heirloom collection, its pages hiding a remarkable secret.
It wasn’t until antique shop owner Dale Ball flipped through its contents that he stumbled upon what could be a never-before-seen photograph of the infamous American outlaw, Jesse James.
The discovery, tucked between the pages of a vintage register of deaths, has sent history buffs and collectors into a frenzy.
A Surprise Find in a Family Heirloom
Dale Ball, a California antique dealer, inherited an old green book from his grandfather, Richard Marks.
The book, which had been in the family for generations, traveled from California to upstate New York before landing in Ball’s hands.
Inside, he found a collection of tintype photographs—an early form of photography.
One image, in particular, stood out.
It wasn’t until 2019, while showing the photo to fellow antique enthusiasts, that he realized its potential significance.
“One dealer took one look at it and said, ‘Holy c***, that’s Jesse James,’” Ball recalled.
Intrigued by the claim, he sought expert verification.
The Expert’s Verdict: Is It Really Jesse James?
To authenticate the image, Ball turned to Jesse James historian Ron Pastore, known for his expertise in Wild West outlaws.
Pastore carefully examined the facial features in the photograph, comparing them with known images of Jesse James.
The results were astonishing.
Pastore pointed out unique characteristics that matched Jesse James, including a cleft eyebrow, a sagging eyelid, an asymmetrical nose, and distinctive mouth creases.
Even the slope of the man’s shoulders and the shape of his ears aligned with known photos of James.
Initially skeptical, Pastore conducted a preliminary test before committing to a full evaluation.
“I don’t take cases unless I believe in them,” he explained.
After careful analysis, he confirmed to Ball that he had likely found the ‘real McCoy.’
A Piece of American History
The potential discovery of a new Jesse James photo has ignited excitement among collectors and historians alike.
Jim Weigl, an auctioneer at Blue Box Auction Gallery, described the find as a “remarkable piece” of American history.
“We connect unique items with collectors, and this photo, with solid provenance and authentication, is a dream find,” Weigl said.
Ball, who grew up watching Westerns with his grandparents, never imagined he would own something so significant.
“This photo deserves to be seen,” he said, considering its future.
The Rise and Fall of Jesse James
Jesse James wasn’t just an outlaw—he was a legend.
During the American Civil War, he and his brother Frank joined a Confederate guerrilla force, leading raids in Missouri.
After the war, they turned to a life of crime, robbing banks, stagecoaches, and trains.
James became a folk hero, but his notoriety eventually led to his downfall.
The infamous Northfield, Minnesota bank robbery in 1876 marked the beginning of the end.
The gang expected an easy heist but instead faced an armed resistance from the town’s citizens.
A fierce gun battle erupted, leaving two gang members dead and forcing the others to flee.
Jesse James managed to escape, but the largest manhunt in U.S. history ensued, with over 1,000 men hunting the outlaws.
Betrayal and the End of an Outlaw
After years on the run, Jesse James settled in St. Joseph, Missouri, under a false identity.
Paranoid and constantly looking over his shoulder, he invited fellow gang member Robert Ford to live with him and his family for protection.
Unbeknownst to James, Ford had struck a deal with Missouri Governor Thomas Crittenden, who had placed a hefty bounty on his head.
On April 3, 1882, Jesse James met his end.
As he stood on a chair to adjust a picture in his home, Robert Ford shot him in the back of the head, killing him instantly.
The man who had survived countless shootouts and daring escapes died at the hands of a trusted associate—for a reward.
What’s Next for the Photo?
For Dale Ball, the journey is just beginning.
With expert authentication in place, the photograph could fetch a significant price at auction or find a permanent home in a museum.
Whether displayed for public viewing or acquired by a collector, one thing is certain—this hidden treasure has brought Jesse James back into the spotlight once again.
The legend of Jesse James continues, proving that even more than a century after his death, his story still captivates the world.