Jesse James Look-a-Like Tintype...

I found this tintype in North Central Arkansas a couple of years ago. I personally think that it looks very much like a young Jesse James. The eyes, nose, shape of the mouth, jaw structure, etc. It's hard to see the ears on my photo, but they do appear to stick out on the right side. I've heard opinions that it is Jesse James, to there is no way it is Jesse James. Now, I want your opinion.

Also, there is local connections with the James Brothers in this area. Fairly recently, I read an article in our local newspaper about Frank James. Frank James was a school teacher for 3 years in Calico Rock, Ark, which is about 40 miles from where this photo was found. Also, a friend of mine, who owns a historical mill, claims that Jesse James's uncle (Jordon James) previously owned the mill. Here is the mill - http://www.arkansaspreservation.com/historic-properties/_search_nomination_popup.aspx?id=1539 . I've traced Jordon James to the 27th Arkansas Infantry during the Civil War. The current mill owner (Lytle Family) claims that the James Brother had been several occasions (she heard this from her parents and grandparents).

I know it's a long shot of this being Jesse. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe


Here's a side-by-side comparison with other Jesse James photos.

 

Am I mistaken or did you have this on the ebay board awhile back?

 

Yes, I've had it on several boards months ago. I haven't gotten much responses on other boards. Some people don't see much resemblance while others do. Here's a previous post - http://www.americancivilwarforum.com/jesse-james-tintype...-26141.html .

I inquired about an auction estimate from Heritage Auctions. They should be able to definitively say, yes or no.

Maybe this should be a poll?

 

I was just researching and found this picture of Frank James - http://jessejamesphotoalbum.com/ . I see a resemblance there too.

 

I know I thought it looks believable but then I don't know a thing about how you really can tell.

 

The top,right pic sure looks like an older version of your pic.

 

I think he looks more like Frank than Jesse.

 

Very interesting image......You might send a copy to the Gene Autry Museum her in Los Angels ( 4700 Western Heritage Way (Zoo Drive), in Griffith Park. Los Angeles, CA. / (323) 667-2000) and get an opinion...I think the photo resembles Frank more myself...there does seem to be a resemblance, to me at least! Hey, an alternate Billy the Kid tintype just surfaced not that long ago, and there was a tintype of Doc Holliday found in a car trunk some years ago, so it can happen!!!! Might be a longshot, but sometimes longshots pay off! GOOD LUCK!

 

All the above pics carry that same pensive look.

 

Heritage Auctions says it is not Jesse. I didn't say anything about Frank. I'll have to make a few copies to send out.

 

This looks very much like Frank.