Pawn Stars: SHOCKING Police Pawns (Batons, Badges, & More!)

Pawn Stars・2 minutes read

Various vintage law enforcement items are evaluated for their historical significance and potential resale value, including a police baton with tear gas, authentic badges from Nevada, a collection of rare whistles, and a Russian night vision scope. Negotiations for these items result in final sale prices ranging from $45 to $1100, depending on authenticity, condition, and historical context.

Insights

  • Tear gas billy clubs, used by law enforcement and military police, are considered collector's items, with concerns about their legality, especially regarding potential modifications for more lethal functions.
  • Whistles, historically vital for signaling, have evolved from wooden clackers in the 1830s to standard Bobby whistles by the 1880s, with authenticity concerns amidst the prevalence of fake items, but genuine pieces hold significant historical value and are sought after by collectors.

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Recent questions

  • What is the historical significance of antique police batons?

    Antique police batons hold tear gas, used in law enforcement and prisons. They are considered collector's items, with a minimum price of $600.

  • How were tear gas billy clubs used in the past?

    Tear gas billy clubs were nonlethal weapons used by law enforcement and military police. They could be loaded by breaking the baton in half and inserting a canister.

  • What is the value of rare whistles in historical contexts?

    Rare whistles, dating back to before 1900, were important for signaling in various settings. They have historical significance, with some potentially valuable for resale.

  • What is the significance of early police badges from Nevada?

    Badges from Nevada, including those from police and sheriff's departments, hold historical significance. Special Deputy badges were used by security guards at casinos with some police powers.

  • How do pedal cars hold historical value in Americana?

    Pedal cars, dating back to the 1890s, are historically significant pieces of Americana. Crafted from solid steel, they were cherished by children as favorite toys, showcasing craftsmanship in classic models.

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Summary

00:00

"Rare Police Collectibles: Badges, Baton, Whistles"

  • The antique police baton can hold tear gas and is being sold for $1000, with a minimum price of $600.
  • The baton was used in police departments and prisons and is considered a collector's item.
  • The baton can be loaded with tear gas by breaking it in half and inserting a canister.
  • Tear gas billy clubs were used as nonlethal weapons by law enforcement and military police.
  • Concerns arise about the legality of the baton, especially if it could be converted to shoot shotgun shells.
  • Badges from Nevada, including those from the police and sheriff's department, are discussed for their historical significance.
  • Special Deputy badges were used by security guards at casinos and had some police powers.
  • The badges are confirmed to be authentic by an expert and are sold for $650.
  • A collection of rare whistles, some dating back to before 1900, is presented for sale at $4500.
  • Whistles were historically important for signaling in various settings, including on battlefields and in factories.

12:04

Antique Police Collectibles: Whistles, Scope, Badge, Box

  • The original police force used wooden clackers in the 1830s, which were replaced by the standard Bobby whistle in the 1880s.
  • Concerns about authenticity of the whistles are raised, with emphasis on the prevalence of fake items in the market.
  • A collection of early whistles from the late 19th century is examined, with a rare piece noted.
  • All the whistles are confirmed to be genuine, potentially valuable for resale due to their historical significance.
  • Negotiations for the purchase of the whistles occur, with initial asking price at $4,500, eventually settling at $1,100 for most of the collection.
  • A Russian night vision scope, mistaken for a ghost detector, is discussed for its historical context and technological limitations.
  • Negotiations for the sale of the night vision scope start at $500, but eventually settle at $45 due to its outdated technology.
  • A pie plate badge from the 1930s, potentially linked to Al Capone's era, is examined for authenticity and historical significance.
  • The badge is determined to be from a private security force, not the Chicago PD, leading to a final sale price of $150.
  • A 1930s Chicago police call box is evaluated for its historical value, with negotiations leading to a final sale price of $225.

24:01

Pedal cars: historic vs modern value

  • Pedal cars are historically significant pieces of Americana, typically made of solid steel and dating back to the 1890s, with craftsmanship evident in classic models, often cherished by children as favorite toys.
  • Despite the collectible nature of old pedal cars, modern reproductions like those from InStep, though well-made and resembling classics, lack the same value, with new models priced around $150, making them less desirable for collectors.
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