Badass Tattoo Photos from the Past

Badass Tattoo
Some photos of tattooed people from the past are just straight up badass. These aren’t just cool pictures, they are snapshots of some cool moments in tattoo history. In this article, we here at CB Ink are going to show you some truly badass tattooed people from the past.
Bev “Cindy Ray” Robinson, Australia, 1960s

Australia’s very own Cindy Ray, born Bev Robinson, became an icon in the tattoo world during the 1960s. Dubbed the “Tattooed Glamour Girl of the 1960s,” she wasn’t just a canvas but an artist as well, working to normalise tattoos for women. Her tattoos, ranging from bold pin-up designs to traditional tattoo patterns, challenged societal norms and made her a household name in the tattoo scene. Cindy Ray’s fearless attitude and striking ink cement her as a trailblazer.
Pub Patron in Boston, Lincolnshire, England, 1974

In this photo, a bloke proudly shows off his ink while enjoying a pint at a pub in Boston, England. If you look closely, you’ll spot the Last Supper tattooed across his stomach—an ambitious piece for its time.
Tattooed Showgirl, USA, 1920s

Back in the 1920s, tattooed women were often part of the vaudeville circuit, circuses, and “freak shows.” This particular showgirl sports a stunning dragon tattoo running down her side—a bold and intricate design for the time. This tattoo touches her knees and ribs, both very sensitive areas. She must have been very tough!
American Soldier in Germany, 1918

A tough looking American soldier in 1918. His eagle-and-shield chest piece and Native American girl tattoo on his arm represent patriotism, strength, and honour. As part of the Allied occupation forces after the war, his tattoos served as a reminder of the identity and pride he carried with him.
Dorcas Bacon (aka Sally Scott), American Criminal, c. 1931

Dorcas Bacon, also known as Sally Scott, was a notorious American criminal in the early 20th century. Bacon had been charged with theft, fraud and bootlegging, all before her 18th birthday. She has got two tattoos, one on each arm. A snake tattoo on one arm, and a dagger with a skull and the words “Death Before Dishonor” on the other. While stealing is certainly not badass, those tattoos are.
Ozzy Osbourne and His DIY Knuckle Tattoos

Ozzy Osbourne didn’t just get tattoos; he made them himself. While serving time at Winson Green Prison in Birmingham, England, Ozzy used a needle and graphite to tattoo his knuckles and even added smiley faces to his knees. Why was he in prison? Apparently, he got caught stealing a TV—which fell on him during his getaway and had to be left behind.
Punk Girl, England, 1988

This photo is from 1988 in England. It is of a young punk girl rocking a Chelsea haircut and a tattoo on her arm of a bat and moon. Back in the 70s and 80s, punk culture was all about do it yourself aesthetics and self expression and you can tell she had those attributes down.
WW2 Veteran with a Ship Tattoo

A World War II veteran shows off his ship tattoo, a symbol of his time in the Navy. His hat, depicting the Iwo Jima flag raising on Mount Suribachi, suggests he was either at the Battle of Iwo Jima or nearby. This photo is proof that even decades later, tattoos carry the weight of history, and being inked only gets cooler with age.
Two Victorian Men with Chest Tattoos
In this vintage photo, two Victorian-era men proudly display their chest tattoos. The man on the left has a large dragon tattoo, while the man on the right sports his family crest. Tattoos during this time were often seen as marks of toughness and individuality, and these two gents are a perfect example of 19th-century swagger.
Get Inked at CB Ink!
These cool snapshots from history show us that tattoos have always been badass. We here at CB Ink are here and ready to make your vision come to life.
If you’re ready to get your next tattoo, book an appointment today!
If you still have some questions or concerns, feel free to send us a message and we’ll be glad to help!