A long time ago, in a land far away (California)...

Under the governorship of Newton Booth in 1872, a weird law in California was placed into effect that surely must have sent many tails (and fake mustaches) wagging. Perhaps there was an abundance of California criminals who were up to no good, committing crimes, and wearing fake disguises as they did so.

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Throughout movie history, the bad guys often wore fake disguises to get away with crimes, which is quite interesting because the menfolk back in those days often sported circle beards, President Abraham Lincoln whiskers, goatees, and what I like to call those “Count of Monte Cristo” twirly mustaches (they are called “handlebars”). Now I must-ache you a question! True or False: Is it illegal to wear a fake mustache in California, even after the prohibition of such was made illegal in 1872?

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Well, yes, and no.

You can wear a fake mustache all you like in the state of California, but if you do so while committing a crime, you have just broken California Penal Code of conspiracy! This law is still on the books, not only in California but elsewhere within the United States.

via GIPHY

CHAPTER 8. Conspiracy [182 - [185.]]

“It shall be unlawful for any person to wear any mask, false whiskers, or any personal disguise (whether complete or partial) for the purpose of:
One—Evading or escaping discovery, recognition, or identification in the commission of any public offense.” Chapter 8, enacted in 1872

Lest all ye weird non-facial hair-havin' dudes who are about to commit crimes whilst wearing a fake mustache beware!

5 FAMOUS DUDES WITH WILD 'STACHES 'N BEARDS

1 . SAM ELLIOTT

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2 . HULK HOGAN

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3 . PRESIDENT WILLIAM H. TAFT

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4 . PRESIDENT ULYSSES S. GRANT

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5 . PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN

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