Every archives and museum has items that have more questions than answers. This picture is one of ours. It’s Scan # 1204 in the Lemp Studio Collection.

Amidst the hundreds of photos of individuals, families, businesses, sports teams, houses, animals and the list goes on, why would one of the photographers purposely take this shot?

What’s important about the hand? Speculation abounds.

Some people think the mark on the hand is a wart. Perhaps the photo was a “before” picture, as in before applying some special medication perhaps available at the local drug store. If so, the “after” photo is missing.

Some people think it’s a gunshot wound or, at the least, a BB shot. If so, was this photo taken as evidence of a felony or, at the least, a misdemeanour?

There has been speculation it’s a workplace injury in the days before safety standards. If so, it’s also in the days before workers compensation.

What do you think? If you have a good theory or, better still, certain knowledge, we’d like to hear from you. You can email us at info@tavistockhistory.ca