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Pawn Stars: TOP 10 RARE WWI FINDS (Military Memorabilia From the Trenches)

Pawn Stars・33 minutes read

A seller brings various World War One memorabilia to a pawn shop, including helmets, flags, posters, and equipment, negotiating prices with buyers based on historical significance and rarity, eventually walking away with more money than expected through successful deals.

Insights

  • The value of World War One artifacts is influenced by their historical significance and rarity, with items tied to specific military units or notable figures fetching higher prices in the market.
  • Negotiation skills play a crucial role in determining the final selling price of World War One memorabilia, as demonstrated by sellers who secured better deals by engaging in bargaining with potential buyers.

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Recent questions

  • What was World War One known for?

    Chemical warfare, trench battles, machine guns.

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Summary

00:00

"World War One Helmets Sold at Pawn"

  • The seller has an old helmet from around World War One, looking to sell it at the pawn shop to fund another honeymoon trip.
  • World War One was known for chemical warfare, with both sides using gas that sometimes harmed their own soldiers due to changing winds.
  • The war was brutal, with soldiers fighting for inches in trench warfare, facing poison gas and high-speed machine guns.
  • The value of the helmet is determined by the division logo on it, with Marine Corps emblems being rarer and more desirable.
  • An expert confirms the helmet is authentic, belonging to the U.S. Marine Corps, and could be worth up to $1500 in today's market.
  • Negotiations lead to the seller agreeing to sell the helmet for $750, walking away with more than expected.
  • A set of field glasses from World War One, used by the Lovett Scouts, is presented, with the seller hoping to get $800 for them.
  • The Lovett Scouts were a sniper unit known for their speed and efficiency in combat during the war.
  • An expert appraises two German helmets from World War One, one an enlisted ersatz helmet and the other a Prussian officer's helmet, valuing them at $850-$950 and $1000-$1250 respectively.
  • Negotiations result in the seller agreeing to sell the helmets for $1050, pleased with the outcome.

14:35

Man finds rare World War I artifacts.

  • A man brought a flag to work in 1940 to have it framed but it went missing when he was called to duty; 10 years later, he found it behind lockers.
  • The flag was from Quentin Roosevelt's squadron, buried with full military honors by Germans; the man also had dog tags with Roosevelt's name.
  • The man wanted to sell the flag for $7500, appraised at $10,000; after negotiation, he agreed to sell it for $6000.
  • Another item, a Ford Model 8 helmet, was found and bought for $500; it was believed to be a rare World War I helmet.
  • The helmet was confirmed to be authentic by a Ford archivist, potentially worth a significant amount; it was suggested to be sold for at least $4000.
  • A vintage World War I poster was brought in, a recruitment tool during the war; it was valued at around $200, with the potential to sell for more.
  • A pair of World War I trench binoculars was purchased for $400 and later sold for $550.
  • A 1904 McClellan saddle, a military saddle used in various wars, was brought in for $325, potentially worth up to $500.
  • The saddle was confirmed to be a model from World War I, missing some parts but still collectible for a man cave or old west collection.
  • The saddle was deemed not suitable for actual use due to missing parts, but valuable for collectors interested in old west memorabilia.

29:27

"Price Negotiation, Historical Trophy, Poster Sale"

  • The seller negotiates the price of a saddle, initially asking for $325 but agreeing to sell it for $225 after bargaining with the buyer.
  • A unique World War I trophy named the Ayler Cup, honoring a soldier named Lillard Ayler, is presented to the buyer, who is unaware of its historical significance.
  • The buyer attempts to sell the Ayler Cup, believing it to be valuable due to its historical context, but the appraiser deems it worth only scrap silver, valuing it at around $400.
  • A British World War I poster advising against unnecessary spending and excess servants is sold by the seller for $50, despite initially asking for $175, as the buyer offers $50 and eventually agrees to pay $75.
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