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January 14, 2008
Verification of Billy the Kid.
This is the description of an item that we
had the privilege to examine and authenticate for SoldUSA.com
based out of Matthews NC. The starting bid for this rare article
is $25,000.
"ITEM DESCRIPTION
After considerable due diligence we are pleased to offer to you
in this auction the only known signed photo of William H. Bonney
a/k/a “Billy the Kid”. This process has taken over
five years and we believe we are offering to you one of the best
authentications possible. This signed CDV was given to I.D. Image
Discovery, Laramie, Wyoming and carbon copied to Dr. Douglas
Owsley, Smithsonian Institution. This process was to determine
whether or not this was actually a photograph of William H. Bonney.
This process was very in depth with all photographs having to
score a minimum of 75% to be considered to be the actual person
in question. According to Mrs. Long at I.D. Image Discovery this
particular photograph scores in the 90% range and as stated in
the document other than computer reconstruction or analysis she
is 90% positive that this is William H. Bonney. The photo will
be accompanied by this original report also. The second step
in this process was of course to determine forensically if the
signature is that of Bonney. Just this year we were able to obtain
the services of Forensic Document Laboratory Inc. Thomas Grogan,
President to take this actual CDV and analyze it. His findings
are as follows; After scientifically examining the signature
with the aid of magnification, illumination as well as optical
and measuring devices. (Mr. Grogan) found that there was sufficient
evidence in the known handwriting of Henry McCarty; alias William
Harrison Bonney; a/k/a Billy the Kid to determine beyond a reasonable
doubt that he did write or sign the document in question. He
further clarifies that he is clearly convinced with a high degree
of certainty that the questioned document was written or signed
by William H. Bonney. This signed and notarized document will
also accompany the item. Lastly we have sworn affidavit of events
given by Angie M. Purcell. This affidavit was an accounting of
how her grandfather had won this photograph in the early 1900’s
and had given it to her on her 6th birthday in 1926. The letter
states that her grandfather won this photo after it was introduced
in a poker game by a Mr. Joe Antrim who was a known relative
of Billy the Kid. Along with this is a sworn affidavit of Levi
Griggs signed on July 18th 2002 from the bedside of Mr. Griggs
as he lay dying and at which time he gave Mrs. Purcell a photo
of Catherine McCarty Antrim, Mother of “Billy the Kid”.
All of which will accompany this photo. Also to accompany this
piece will be all of the research gathered over time. This is
truly a museum quality piece that has been fully documented.
We are pleased to be able to bring such a wonderful piece to
the collecting world. The photograph measures 2 ½” a
3 ¾” and is displayed in a screw down acrylic case
for protection." |
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February 22, 2008
FBI Citizens Academy
Thomas Grogan (FDL Inc president and founder)
has been nominated and accepted to the FBI Citizens Academy.
This is the eighth FBI Citizens Academy to take place in Charlotte,
NC. 2008 is also a special year as the FBI is celebrating its
100th year in July. Mr. Grogan joins with other North Carolina
area business, civic, religious, and community leaders for an
inside look at federal law enforcement and the FBI. We look forward
to this as it will further enforce and expand our knowledge of
security. The course begins on April 3, 2008.
Some of the areas that are covered include:
- International and domestic terrorism;
- White collar crime, including identity theft,
financial institution fraud, healthcare fraud, and money laundering;
- Critical infrastructure protection matters;
- Violent crimes, including bank robbery,
crimes against children, fugitives, evidence recovery, and
hostage rescue;
- Electronic surveillance;
- Firearms safety, SWAT, and deadly force
policy;
- Employment, recruitment, and partnerships;
- Freedom of Information and Privacy Act.
Upon completion, Mr. Grogan will join previous
graduating classes to be a part of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni
Association. He will also be traveling to Washington DC to visit
the FBI Headquarters and the training facility at Quantico. Congratulations,
Thomas! |
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