At our first meeting, Donald (300) said he obtained the official picture of his house taken for NYC tax records in the 1940's. You can order your picture from the Buildings Department NYC archives.  

Some info on this from NYC.gov -

Is it true that the Municipal Archives has photographs of every house in the city, taken around 1940? How can I see them and/or order copies?

Yes, between 1939 and 1940, New York City photographed every house and building in the five Boroughs for property tax assessment purposes. The photographs are not currently available on-line, but you view them on microfilm at the Municipal Archives during their regular opening hours . You can order copies of these photographs at the Municipal Archives, or by mail.