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Pawn Stars: "HOW IS THIS LEGAL?!" Top 5 *Almost* Illegal Items

HISTORY・20 minutes read

An individual brings a collection of political memorabilia to a pawn shop, including items belonging to former Attorney General J. Howard McGrath, with questions raised about the authenticity and legality of some items. Experts assess the items, confirming their value and rarity, while advising against owning counterfeit money due to legal concerns.

Insights

  • The collection brought to the pawn shop includes political memorabilia like Secret Service ID, letters from J. Edgar Hoover, and a White House pass belonging to J. Howard McGrath, showcasing the individual's connection to significant figures in U.S. politics.
  • The diverse items presented, including a half-ten-dollar bill, an infrared heat sticker for Sidewinder missiles, and a Keplinger holdout card holder, are examined for authenticity, historical significance, and legal implications, highlighting the complex nature of collecting and trading rare items with intricate backgrounds.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of McGrath's political memorabilia?

    McGrath's political memorabilia, including Secret Service ID, letters from J. Edgar Hoover, and a White House pass, holds historical value. McGrath, a prominent figure in Washington politics, served as Attorney General under Truman and was involved in the Democratic National Committee during Truman's presidential campaign. The items provide insight into McGrath's connections and activities during his time in office, shedding light on the political landscape of that era.

  • Are the items presented at the pawn shop authentic?

    The authenticity of the items, particularly the half-ten-dollar bill signed to McGrath, is questioned. There is speculation that the bill may be a misprint or counterfeit, raising doubts about its legitimacy. The pawn shop owner expresses concern over the legality of owning potentially counterfeit money and Secret Service credentials, highlighting the importance of verifying the authenticity of historical artifacts before making any transactions.

  • What is the value of the infrared heat sticker for Sidewinder missiles?

    The infrared heat sticker used for Sidewinder missiles, acquired through a military surplus auction, holds historical significance in aviation technology. A U.S. Marine Corps F-18 pilot confirms its authenticity and rarity, emphasizing its value as a collector's item. The pilot discusses the operational mechanism of the heat-seeking missile head, providing insights into its technological advancements and offering $550 for the item based on its historical importance.

  • What is the history behind the Keplinger holdout card holder?

    The Keplinger holdout card holder, also known as the Martin San Francisco card holdout, was a device designed for cheating in card games during the 1920s-1930s. The mechanism allowed a "thief" to sneak out a card from the sleeve, grab it, and pull it back in, fitting against the forearm. The creator of the device was eventually caught by gamblers, leading to their arrest and imprisonment. Such devices are valued between $1500 to $2200, often used as museum pieces or display items due to their rarity and historical significance.

  • What is the significance of the illegal drug tax stamps negotiation?

    The negotiation for the purchase of illegal drug tax stamps, differentiated by color based on the type of drug they were meant for, highlights a unique aspect of historical artifacts. The stamps, sold for $50, hold value as collectibles due to their association with illicit activities and the historical context of drug taxation. The transaction sheds light on the underground economy and the regulatory measures implemented to control drug distribution during that period.

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Summary

00:00

"Political Memorabilia Raises Legal Concerns and Interest"

  • The individual brings political memorabilia to a pawn shop, including Secret Service ID, letters from J. Edgar Hoover, and a White House pass belonging to J. Howard McGrath, the former Attorney General of the United States.
  • The collection also includes half of a ten-dollar bill signed to McGrath, purchased from his grandson.
  • McGrath, a key figure in Washington politics, served as Attorney General under Truman and was involved in the Democratic National Committee during Truman's presidential campaign.
  • The authenticity of the half-ten-dollar bill is questioned, with the possibility of it being a misprint or counterfeit discussed.
  • The pawn shop owner expresses concern over the legality of owning counterfeit money and Secret Service credentials, fearing potential legal repercussions.
  • A museum administrator examines McGrath's Secret Service ID and White House pass, noting their collectible value and rarity.
  • The administrator confirms the legality of owning the items but advises against keeping counterfeit money due to legal implications.
  • The individual also presents an infrared heat sticker used for Sidewinder missiles, acquired through a military surplus auction by their father.
  • A U.S. Marine Corps F-18 pilot assesses the heat-seeking missile head, confirming its authenticity and rarity, highlighting its historical significance in aviation technology.
  • The pilot discusses the missile's operational mechanism, historical context, and potential collector value, ultimately offering $550 for the item.

14:42

Card Holdout Devices: Cheating in the 1920s

  • The Keplinger holdout was a card holder designed to hold cards within a sleeve until they were switched with the cards in hand, made in the 1920s-1930s.
  • The device, known as the Martin San Francisco card holdout, had a mechanism where a "thief" would sneak out from the sleeve, grab a card, and pull it back in, fitting against the forearm.
  • The device was used for cheating until the creator was caught by gamblers, who then forced him to make the device for them, resulting in their arrest and imprisonment.
  • The value of such devices ranges from $1500 to $2200, often used as museum pieces or display items due to their rarity and historical significance.
  • A negotiation for the purchase of illegal drug tax stamps occurred, with the stamps differentiated by color based on the type of drug they were meant for, leading to a final sale of $50 for the stamps.
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