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Pawn Stars: *HOLY MOLY DEALS* (6 Expensive Religious Items) | History

Pawn Stars・28 minutes read

The text discusses the acquisition of a leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, known for its beauty and importance in democratizing knowledge, alongside the appraisal of historical artifacts like a Cardinals ring and papal items, with authenticity questions raised but unsatisfactory conclusions on their value.

Insights

  • The Gutenberg Bible leaf, a masterpiece of printing history, was meticulously crafted with imported paper and hand rubricated colors, serving as a precursor to the democratization of knowledge through printed books.
  • The authenticity and value of historical items like the Cardinal's ring and Pope Leo the 13th's belongings were scrutinized, with experts questioning their provenance and offering insights into their historical significance, emphasizing the complexities of verifying and valuing such artifacts.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Gutenberg Bible?

    A beautifully printed book from history.

  • What is the significance of the printing press?

    Democratizing knowledge and empowering people.

  • Who was Pope Leo the 13th?

    A pope known for science and religion advocacy.

  • What is the historical significance of the Geneva Bible?

    A Protestant Bible with revolutionary impact.

  • What were the items belonging to Pope Leo the 13th?

    Cap, shoes, and stockings.

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Summary

00:00

"Gutenberg Bible Leaf and Historical Relics"

  • The text discusses a single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, the first substantial printed book in history, obtained from a famous book dealer named Gabriel Wells in the 1920s.
  • The leaf is printed on both sides with imported fine paper from Italy and hand rubricated with red and blue colors to resemble a manuscript.
  • The Gutenberg Bible is considered one of the most beautifully printed books, requiring the invention of type, press, and a massive undertaking akin to the internet's rapid spread.
  • The printing press's significance lies in democratizing knowledge and empowering people by putting the power of knowledge in their hands.
  • The leaf is from the Old Testament, specifically the second book of Chronicles, detailing the purification of the temple in Jerusalem.
  • The initial asking price for the Gutenberg Bible leaf is $65,000, later negotiated down to $47,000 after expert verification and appraisal.
  • A 19th-century Cardinals ring is presented, purportedly from a Cardinal, with a bottom dollar price of $6,300, emphasizing its historical value over stone quality.
  • An expert from the Clark County Museum examines the ring, noting the absence of papal symbols, indicating it may not be a Cardinal's ring of office.
  • The ring is identified to have a Hessonite garnet and emeralds, leading to an offer of $2,000 due to its unsizable nature and manufacturer's fame.
  • Lastly, papal slippers and a cap belonging to Pope Leo the 13th are presented by a seller, inherited from an aunt who was a nun, with their worth and potential buyer interest uncertain.

13:46

"Pope Leo's Items: Authenticity Questioned"

  • Pope Leo had the third longest papal reign from 1878 to 1903.
  • Pope Leo was known for advocating the co-existence of science and religion.
  • Items belonging to Pope Leo included his cap, shoes, and stockings.
  • The items were given to the seller by an Italian priest in 1937.
  • The authenticity of the items was questioned due to lack of definitive proof.
  • The slippers were made of velvet and silk, with gold threading.
  • The silk lining of the slippers had deteriorated due to metallic salts treatment.
  • The expert estimated a 75% chance of authenticity for the items.
  • The seller decided not to sell the items due to lack of definitive proof.
  • The seller planned to visit Italy to authenticate a skull cap worn by a pope.

27:56

Rare 1903 Book Sold for $100,000

  • A rare book from 1903 was found and offered for $120,000, eventually sold for $100,000 after negotiation.
  • A Geneva Bible from 1583, significant for its history, was presented for $1,600 but was not purchased due to its condition.
  • The Geneva Bible was a Protestant Bible printed during King Henry's reign, marking the shift from Catholicism in England.
  • The Bible was a revolutionary translation into English, used by Shakespeare, smuggled into England, and had Protestant notes that stirred controversy.
  • Despite its historical importance, the Geneva Bible was not bought due to its condition, valued at around $1,500 optimistically.
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