EPIC & EXPLOSIVE CANNONS (8 Crazy Expensive Deals) | Pawn Stars | History

Pawn Stars・2 minutes read

A rare and collectible antique cannon is examined and valued, with negotiations leading to a successful sale at $30,000 following a test firing to display its historical accuracy and power. Another antique cannon, a Dutch East India Company naval cannon, is also examined and valued at $30,000, with the owner declining an $18,000 offer and choosing to hold onto it.

Insights

  • The antique cannon from Magnum PI, used for signaling, was valued at $20,000 to $40,000, with a potential auction value higher than the estimate. Despite its firing capability and impressive power, a deal could not be reached at an offer of $15,000, showcasing the complex negotiation process for rare and collectible items.
  • The inspection and negotiation for a Dutch East India Company naval cannon from 1763, valued at $30,000, highlighted the importance of historical authenticity and significance in determining the worth of antique artillery. The owner's decision to decline an $18,000 offer emphasized the sentimental and investment value individuals attach to unique pieces, reflecting the intricate dynamics of antique firearm transactions.

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Recent questions

  • What is the value of the antique cannon from the 1980s show Magnum PI?

    The antique cannon from Magnum PI is estimated to be worth between $20,000 to $40,000, with potential for higher bids at auction due to its rarity and collectibility.

  • How many antique mountain cannons were purchased over the years?

    Only 57 antique mountain cannons were bought over the years, making them rare and valuable due to their limited availability.

  • What is the significance of the vintage ammo box for the cannon?

    The vintage ammo box for the cannon holds 1.65-inch diameter shells, which are crucial for firing the cannon accurately and safely.

  • What is the value of the parade cannon used by the Grand Army of the Republic?

    The parade cannon used by the Grand Army of the Republic is valued at $60,000, but its legality is questioned due to a potential post-1898 manufacturing date.

  • How much was the homemade bowling ball mortar valued at in the pawn shop?

    The homemade bowling ball mortar was valued at $15,000 to $20,000 in the pawn shop, with safety concerns prompting further inspection before a potential sale.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Rare antique cannon from Magnum PI impresses.

  • A guy is selling an antique cannon and wants to meet at a shooting ranch.
  • The cannon is the one used in Magnum PI, a show from the 1980s.
  • The pawn shop guys are called to check the antique cannon, aiming to sell it for 50 grand.
  • The cannon was used for signaling, not shooting, due to its size and historical context.
  • The cannon is rare and collectible, with a strong conversion making it valuable.
  • The cannon's worth is estimated at 20,000 to 40,000, with potential for higher bids at auction.
  • The cannon is fired at the shooting ranch, impressing everyone with its power.
  • Despite the cannon's uniqueness, a deal is not reached, with an offer of 15,000 being declined.
  • Another antique mountain cannon is found, with a unique design for mountain transport.
  • The second cannon is fired successfully, leading to a negotiation for a sale at 25,000.

15:48

Rare $30,000 cannon fires successfully

  • The cannon is a rare self-contained cartridge-firing gun, sold to the U.S. for fighting native Americans and later the Spaniards.
  • It is a mountain cannon, with only 57 guns bought over the years, making it rare and valuable.
  • The cannon is deemed authentic and in good condition, estimated to be worth $40,000.
  • The cannon is tested and found to have a good shootable bore, indicating it can fire well.
  • The buyer negotiates the price to $30,000, considering its firing capability and condition.
  • The cannon is successfully fired, sealing the deal at $30,000.
  • A vintage ammo box for the cannon is shown, holding 1.65-inch diameter shells.
  • Exploding shells for the cannon are forbidden, and a clean bore is crucial for accuracy.
  • A parade cannon is showcased, used by the Grand Army of the Republic for memorial parades.
  • The parade cannon is valued at $60,000, but its legality is questioned due to a potential post-1898 manufacturing date.

31:09

Antique Cannon Discovery Leads to Profit

  • The individual bought an antique cannon at a garage sale, thinking it was a toy for their kids.
  • Upon inspection, it was revealed to be a functional miniature cannon from the 18th century, possibly used for military instruction or as a signal gun on ships.
  • An expert valued the cannon at $2,000 or more due to its authenticity and minimal restoration.
  • Negotiations led to the cannon being sold for $800, providing a significant profit margin.
  • The buyer planned to display the cannon and potentially sell it for a higher price in the future.
  • The cannon was loaded with black powder and a projectile for a test firing, showcasing its power and historical accuracy.
  • Another antique cannon, a Dutch East India Company naval cannon from 1763, was examined and valued at $30,000 due to its authenticity and historical significance.
  • The owner declined an offer of $18,000 for the cannon, preferring to hold onto it.
  • A homemade bowling ball mortar, valued at $15,000 to $20,000, was presented for potential sale at a pawn shop.
  • The mortar was built from a military-grade oxygen tank and had been used in competitions, with safety concerns prompting further inspection before a potential sale.

45:15

Mortar Inspection, Purchase, and Firing Success

  • When inspecting a mortar, the expert focuses on the integrity of the wells and materials used in its design to prevent dangerous component separation due to improper construction. The mortar's trajectory is determined by elevation and powder charge, with larger charges resulting in further distances. Despite being made of modern steel, weighing around 700 pounds, and deemed safe to fire, inherent danger in using firearms always exists.
  • Negotiating the purchase of the mortar, the buyer initially offers $4,000, but after haggling, settles on $6,500, with the condition that it fires safely. The mortar successfully fires, exceeding expectations, and the buyer is thrilled with the purchase, adding extra security to their shop.
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