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Pawn Stars: 17 RARE & EXPENSIVE GUNS | History

Pawn Stars・72 minutes read

A variety of historical firearms are brought in for evaluation and potential sale, with expert appraisals providing insights into their authenticity, condition, and value, leading to negotiations between sellers and buyers to determine final prices that reflect market demand and historical significance. Despite differing perspectives on value, authentication and functionality play crucial roles in establishing prices for these collectible firearms, with expert opinions guiding decisions on purchases and sales.

Insights

  • The authenticity of historical firearms can significantly impact their value, as seen with the Clark Sherrard Civil War pistol being revealed as a reproduction valued at $75, rather than the $40,000 sought by the seller.
  • Negotiation skills play a crucial role in determining the final price of antique firearms, such as the Scottish pistols that were valued at $5,000 to $6,000 but sold for $3,350 after haggling between the seller and the expert.
  • Testing antique firearms to confirm functionality can substantially affect their value, as demonstrated by the Baker rifle, which increased in worth from $15,000 to $25,000 after being test-fired.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the peg leg gun from the early 1800s?

    The peg leg gun from the early 1800s is a unique and intriguing firearm that combines a rifle barrel with an ingenious design. It features a lock dated to King George's reign, but doubts arise about its authenticity due to machine stitching on the cloth. Despite this, the gun successfully fires at a shooting range, increasing its value. Ultimately, negotiations lead to the seller accepting $9,500 for the peg leg gun, making it a valuable purchase.

  • How were the Scottish pistols from 1840 valued?

    The Scottish pistols from 1840 were brought in by a seller seeking around $8,000 for them. Gun expert Alex valued the pistols at $5,000 to $6,000 based on their condition and historical significance. After negotiations, the seller settled for $3,350, accepting a lower price than initially hoped for.

  • What was the outcome of the appraisal of the 18th-century Clark Sherrard Civil War pistol?

    The 18th-century Clark Sherrard Civil War pistol was presented by a seller aiming for $40,000 due to its rarity. However, expert analysis revealed potential tampering with the pistol's serial numbers, casting doubt on its authenticity and value. The seller believed it to be authentic and priced it at $1,000, but an expert determined it was a reproduction valued at $75, disappointing the seller who paid $800 for it.

  • How were the breech-loading pistols from the 1700s valued?

    A customer brought in breech-loading pistols from the 1700s, aiming to sell them for $37,500 to start a business. An expert identified the pistols as possibly made by John Hurst in the 1770s, estimating their worth at around $40,000 based on similar auction prices. Despite the expert's valuation of $35,000, the customer refused a $20,000 offer, choosing to explore other selling options.

  • What was the appraisal and sale price of the Nepalese beer gun made in 1896-1897?

    A rare Nepalese beer gun made in 1896-1897 was offered for $30,000, with an expert confirming its legality and value at $27,500. After testing the beer gun at a firing range, the seller agreed to sell it for $20,000 following negotiations with the pawn shop owner.

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Summary

00:00

"Peg Leg Gun Sparks Interest and Negotiations"

  • A guy brings in a black powder pegleg gun from the early 1800s, sparking interest from Corey and the seller.
  • The peg leg gun is examined by Alex, revealing it to have a rifle barrel and an ingenious design.
  • The gun's lock is dated to King George's reign, but machine stitching on the cloth raises doubts about its authenticity.
  • The peg leg gun is tested at a shooting range, successfully firing and increasing its value.
  • Negotiations lead to the seller accepting $9,500 for the peg leg gun, making it a valuable purchase.
  • A pair of Scottish pistols from 1840 are brought in, with a seller seeking around $8,000 for them.
  • Gun expert Alex values the pistols at $5,000 to $6,000 due to their condition and historical significance.
  • The seller settles for $3,350 after negotiations, accepting a lower price than initially hoped for.
  • An 18th-century Clark Sherrard Civil War pistol is presented, with a seller aiming for $40,000 due to its rarity.
  • Expert analysis reveals potential tampering with the pistol's serial numbers, casting doubt on its authenticity and value.

15:32

Antique Gun Valuations and Sales at Auction

  • The seller acquired the gun at a gun show from a seller who obtained it at an estate sale, claiming it had been in the family for generations.
  • The seller priced the gun at $1,000, believing it to be authentic, but the customer wanted to verify its authenticity before making a deal.
  • An expert examined the gun and determined it was a reproduction, valued at $75, disappointing the seller who paid $800 for it.
  • Another customer brought in breech-loading pistols from the 1700s, aiming to sell them for $37,500, hoping to start a business with the proceeds.
  • An expert identified the pistols as possibly made by John Hurst in the 1770s, estimating their worth at around $40,000 based on similar auction prices.
  • The pistols were tested and found to be in good working condition, leading to a valuation of $35,000 by the expert.
  • Despite the expert's valuation, the customer refused a $20,000 offer, opting to take the pistols back home to explore other selling options.
  • A vintage top hat carrier with a pistol linked to Frances Tumblety, suspected of being Jack the Ripper, was presented for potential sale at $15,000.
  • An expert assessed the pistol's value at $2,000 without the Tumblety association, potentially increasing to $10,000 with the connection and functional gun.
  • After testing the pistol, it was determined to be in working order, leading to a final negotiation resulting in a sale for $6,500.

29:39

Rare Antique Guns Sold at Pawn Shop

  • The seller visits a pawn shop to sell two Middle Eastern guns found in their grandma's garage for $6,000 each.
  • The guns are identified as dag da G dag flintlock blunderbusses from 1750-1820, known for elaborate decoration.
  • An expert appraises the guns, revealing one is unsafe due to a barrel defect, valued at $1,000-$1,500, while the other is worth $2,000-$3,000.
  • The seller negotiates with the pawn shop owner, eventually selling both guns for $3,000.
  • A rare Nepalese beer gun, made in 1896-1897, is offered for $30,000, with an expert confirming its legality and value at $27,500.
  • The seller tests the beer gun at a firing range, impressing with its unique design and performance.
  • The seller agrees to sell the beer gun for $20,000 after negotiations with the pawn shop owner.
  • A pair of British naval officer's brass duck foot pistols, valued at $45,000, are tested at a firing range, with one misfiring.
  • The pawn shop owner offers $30,000 for the pistols, but the seller declines, hoping for a higher price in the future.
  • An old Colt army revolver with a rifle butt attachment is discussed, highlighting its historical significance and flaws in design during the Civil War era.

45:23

Rare Firearms: Valuable Collectibles and Their Worth

  • The stock being evaluated is potentially worth $15,000 if authentic and matching the pistol.
  • The stock is a rare commercial failure, making it a desirable collectible despite its lack of popularity.
  • The stock's value diminishes to $1,500 due to being a spurious modern version, not an original.
  • A flintlock pistol, once restored, could fetch around $3,000, with a restoration cost of $1,000.
  • The pistol's value increases significantly if made functional after restoration.
  • An antique rifle, resembling a Colt, is identified as a rare Springfield Arms Company revolving rifle.
  • The rifle's design flaw led to its rarity, making it a valuable collector's item.
  • The rifle's potential value is estimated at $20,000, with a selling price negotiated down to $14,000.
  • An early 1870s Colt Single Action Army revolver, valued at $25,000, is a highly sought-after collector's item.
  • The revolver's unique features, including rare grips, increase its desirability and potential value.

01:02:29

Rare Antique Guns Valued at Thousands

  • An 1876 Colt gun is appraised to be worth around $35,000 at auction, potentially selling for up to $50,000.
  • The gun, known as the peacemaker, is considered a valuable purchase for the shop, potentially earning the nickname "moneymaker" if acquired at a good deal.
  • A Civil War-era percussion revolving pistol, identified as a Savage and North figure-eight revolver model 1856, is examined for its rarity and desirability.
  • The pistol's rarity is highlighted, with only 10 of the first model and less than 250 of the second variation produced, impacting its value significantly.
  • The pistol is tested at a shooting range to assess its functionality, with successful firing enhancing its value to around $7,500.
  • A Baker rifle, potentially a prototype or custom order due to unique features, is evaluated to be worth $15,000 if non-functional and $25,000 if operational.
  • The Baker rifle is test-fired to confirm its functionality, leading to a valuation of $25,000 due to its rarity and design.
  • Crutches with built-in flintlock pistols, possibly belonging to an officer with a peg leg, are examined and test-fired, estimated to be worth $25,000 at auction.
  • The unique crutches with pistols are valued for their association with Captain Morris and Fowler, their functionality, and rarity.
  • A Colt third model Dragoon gun, historically significant and in better-than-average condition, is presented for evaluation, potentially holding substantial value.

01:19:40

"Colt Walker to Dragoon: A Valuable Evolution"

  • The Colt Walker was a powerful 44 caliber handgun, but due to its tendency to explode, it was redesigned into the Dragoon, a reliable and sought-after firearm by both military and civilians.
  • The Dragoon, with an inscription by JP Coles, is highly valuable, but also prone to counterfeiting, making authentication crucial for determining its worth.
  • Craig, an expert, authenticated the Dragoon by examining the engraving, confirming its authenticity and estimating its value at $8,500, although the owner insisted on selling it for $12,400, showcasing the differing perspectives of collectors and dealers.
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