Pawn Stars: 5 Family Heirlooms With SHOCKING Price Tags

Pawn Stars・2 minutes read

A seller brings in a 1600s or 1700s sword pistol priced at $20,000 that successfully fires when tested, with a market value of $12,000. A diamond tiara previously owned by Ida McKinley is appraised at $6,000-$7,000, potentially worth $75,000 in a retail store but negotiated down to $43,000 in the pawn shop.

Insights

  • The sword pistol brought in, a German "hirschfanger" from the 1600s or 1700s, was a high-end firearm made by Philip Vandavas, priced at $20,000 but valued at $12,000 due to limited demand, despite being functional and authentic.
  • The diamond tiara associated with Ida McKinley, with historical and sentimental value, was appraised at $6,000-$7,000 for its diamonds and gold content, but could potentially sell for $75,000 in a retail store like Fred Layton, showcasing the complexity of determining its true worth beyond materials.

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Recent questions

  • What is a hirschfanger?

    A German sword pistol for hunting wild boars.

  • What is the value of American League baseball field passes from the 1920s to 1940s?

    $40 per pass.

  • What is the estimated value of a commemorative medallion from Pope Francis?

    $40-$75.

  • What is the appraised value of a diamond tiara owned by Ida McKinley?

    $6,000-$7,000.

  • What is the retail value of the convertible piece of jewelry discussed?

    $75,000.

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Summary

00:00

Antique Sword Pistol and Historical Treasures

  • A seller brought in a sword pistol, possibly from the 1600s or 1700s, priced at $20,000.
  • The pistol is a German design called a "hirschfanger," used for hunting wild boars.
  • Made by gun maker Philip Vandavas in London, it was a high-end firearm for the gentry.
  • To test its functionality, they plan to fire the pistol at a melon to demonstrate its purpose.
  • The pistol successfully fires, confirming its authenticity as a functional weapon.
  • Despite its rarity and beauty, the pistol's market value is estimated at $12,000 due to limited demand.
  • The seller declines an offer of $7,500, preferring to explore auction options for a better price.
  • Another customer brings in American League baseball field passes from the 1920s to 1940s.
  • The passes, inherited from a family member, are deemed rare and valuable, but the shop offers only $40 per pass.
  • A commemorative medallion from Pope Francis, given to a customer's father, is valued at $40-$75 due to its common availability.
  • A diamond tiara formerly owned by Ida McKinley, wife of President McKinley, is appraised at $6,000-$7,000 for its diamonds and gold content.
  • The tiara's historical significance and celebrity ownership add sentimental value, making its true worth challenging to determine.
  • An expert is consulted to assess the tiara's historical context and potential value beyond its materials.
  • The tiara's intricate design and connection to a prominent figure make it a unique and valuable piece of vintage jewelry.

15:08

Convertible jewelry linked to President McKinley.

  • The piece of jewelry being discussed is convertible, with fittings for both a brooch and a tiara, and is of fine quality, resembling what one would expect to see in diamonds.
  • The piece is linked to President McKinley through an official White House First Lady photograph taken at the McKinley Museum, adding value to it.
  • In a retail store like Fred Layton, the piece could sell for $75,000, but negotiations lead to an offer of $43,000, which is considered fair.
  • The negotiation for the piece ends with the seller sticking to a price of $75,000, while the buyer offers $43,000, resulting in a gap that cannot be bridged at that moment.
  • Another individual brings in a collection of comic books to the pawn shop, hoping they are valuable, but an expert assesses them to be worth only about $200 retail, with the bulk being worth five cents per book, leading to a disappointing outcome for the seller.
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