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Pawn Stars: 17 RARE & PATRIOTIC US MILITARY ITEMS | History

Pawn Stars・68 minutes read

An individual sells a World War II military bicycle for $500 to a pawn shop, pleased with its unexpected value, while a Norden bombsight, a crucial military tool in World War II, is appraised at $2,500 for its historical significance and appeal to collectors.

Insights

  • Military items from World War II, like the BSA folding airborne bicycle and Norden bombsight, hold significant historical and monetary value due to their rareness, originality, and connection to pivotal wartime events.
  • The restoration and preservation of historical artifacts, such as the World War II ammunition hand cart, can substantially increase their market value, appealing to collectors interested in both the historical significance and visual appeal of the items.
  • The authenticity and condition of artifacts, like the Enigma machine and Civil War officer's sword, play a crucial role in determining their value, with missing components or poor preservation leading to significant price reductions despite their historical importance.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the Norden bombsight?

    The Norden bombsight was a crucial instrument used in World War II bombers like the B-17 and B-24, significantly improving bombing accuracy. It allowed bombers to hit targets within a 30-meter radius from 20,000 feet, revolutionizing precision bombing during the war.

  • What is the value of a fully restored 1944 Willys Jeep?

    A fully restored 1944 Willys Jeep, with original parts, is appraised at $25,000 by an expert, appealing to Jeep and military collectors. Despite having a post-war engine, its value is still considered fair at $20,000 due to its condition and appeal to collectors.

  • What is the historical significance of Sherman tanks from World War II?

    World War II tanks, particularly Sherman tanks, are highly desired by collectors for their reliability, speed, ease of repair, and firepower. The historical significance of these tanks, like the M4A3 Sherman tank used in Iwo Jima, adds to their value and appeal to collectors and history enthusiasts.

  • What was the purpose of military payment certificates during wars?

    Military payment certificates, like a $20 one from 1940-1970, were used to prevent US dollars from falling into enemy hands during wars. These certificates were redeemable only at military establishments and held historical significance due to their unique role in wartime economies.

  • What was the role of the Enigma machine during World War II?

    The Enigma machine played a crucial role in encrypting messages for the Allied forces during World War II. Decrypting messages from the Enigma machine helped shorten the war by two years, making it a significant historical artifact with a price range varying from $30,000 to $200,000 based on its condition and completeness.

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Summary

00:00

"WWII Military Bike Sold for College Funds"

  • The individual brings a military bicycle from World War II to a pawn shop to sell for college funds.
  • The bike is a BSA Birmingham Small Arms folding airborne bicycle used by British and Canadian paratroopers.
  • The bike features an acetylene lamp for lighting, used due to flashlight battery issues.
  • The pawn shop owner offers $500 for the bike, highlighting its military significance and potential value.
  • The bike was designed for paratroopers to jump with and assemble post-landing for transportation.
  • The bike's originality, including the BSA seat and tool pouch, adds to its value.
  • The bike's rarity and completeness could fetch up to $5,000 due to its pristine condition.
  • The individual sells the bike for $500, pleased with the unexpected value and historical significance.
  • A World War II fighter jacket, worn by a Hell Hawks pilot, is brought to the pawn shop for sale.
  • The jacket's history and connection to a heroic pilot increase its value, estimated at $1,500 to $2,000.

15:19

"Norden Bombsight: WWII Precision Bombing Advancement"

  • The item in question is a part of a Norden bombsight, likely from a naval plane, possibly a Mark 15, missing stabilizer and autopilot.
  • The Norden bombsight was crucial in World War II, used in major bomber aircraft like the B-17 and B-24, improving bombing accuracy significantly.
  • The Norden bombsight allowed bombers to hit targets within a 30-meter radius from 20,000 feet, a remarkable advancement in precision bombing.
  • The item is identified as a Norden bombsight by expert Mark Hall-Patton, likely a Mark 16, standard for the US Army Air Force and Navy.
  • The Norden bombsight's value is estimated at $2,500 due to its military and historical significance, appealing to military and instrument collectors.
  • A jacket with World War II patches, including those from the 82nd and 101st Airborne, and a blood chit patch, is valued at $3,000 by an expert.
  • A fully restored 1944 Willys Jeep, with original parts, is appraised at $25,000 by an expert, appealing to Jeep and military collectors.
  • The Willys Jeep's value is slightly reduced to $20,000 due to a post-war engine, still considered a fair price for its condition and appeal.
  • An authentic M4A3 Sherman tank, used in Iwo Jima and the only one in private hands from the Pacific Theatre, is priced at $1.5 million, offering driving and shooting experiences.
  • The tank's historical significance, having seen action in Iwo Jima, adds to its value and appeal to collectors and history enthusiasts.

30:55

"Collectible WWII Tanks, Swords, and Memorabilia"

  • World War II tanks, particularly Sherman tanks, are highly desired by collectors for their reliability, speed, ease of repair, and firepower.
  • A Sherman tank, priced at 1.5 million dollars, is considered fair due to its historical significance and previous sales.
  • Military payment certificates, like a $20 one from 1940-1970, were used to prevent US dollars from falling into enemy hands during wars.
  • A military payment certificate, redeemable only at military establishments, was sold for 125 dollars due to its condition and historical context.
  • A Civil War officer's sword, belonging to Colonel Bessette, went through 22 battles and is valued at 20,000 dollars.
  • An expert confirms the sword's authenticity as a Civil War presentation piece, but its poor condition lowers the offer to 2,500 dollars.
  • A World War II Morse code cipher machine, used for training, is valued at 200 dollars after being identified by an expert.
  • Morse code was crucial during World War II for secure communication, with precise training needed to avoid errors that could have dire consequences.
  • A World War II ammunition hand cart, used for transporting supplies and wounded soldiers, is valued at 500 dollars but may be worth more restored.
  • The hand cart, produced during World War II for various purposes, is a valuable collectible item with historical significance.

48:22

Restored WWII ammunition cart: Profitable historical investment.

  • Poem items traveled across Europe, accumulating wear and tear and miles.
  • Value of items in current condition: $1,500 to $2,000, potentially doubling when restored.
  • Restoration cost estimated at $1,200 to $1,400.
  • Offer made for $400, close to asking price.
  • World War 2 ammunition cart purchased for restoration.
  • Restoration process involved intense work, including floor replacement and rib creation.
  • Original cart's history and tough life noted.
  • Estimated selling price post-restoration: starting at $2,800.
  • Cart's historical significance and original markings crucial for collectors.
  • Potential profit and market value considerations for the restored cart.

01:03:16

Enigma Machine: WWII Encryption and Decryption

  • The Enigma machine, used during World War II, was crucial in encrypting messages for the Allied forces.
  • Decrypting messages from the Enigma machine helped shorten the war by two years.
  • The Enigma machine was priced at $149,300, but similar machines have sold for as low as $30,000 and as high as $200,000.
  • The machine was missing the warning plate and matching serial numbers for the rotors.
  • The price of the Enigma machine was estimated at $70,000 due to missing matching serial numbers for the rotors.
  • A World War II patch from the Alamo Scouts was valued at $6,500, with a potential sale price of $5,000.
  • The Alamo Scouts patch was verified to be authentic by an expert, increasing its value.
  • The Civil War-era photograph of the Wentz house in Gettysburg was priced at $15,000, but was later determined not to be the actual house.
  • The photograph was confirmed not to be the Wentz house, reducing its value significantly.
  • A 1942 North American AT-6 Texan airplane was valued at $185,000, but after inspection and a test flight, its market value was estimated at $170,000, with a final offer of $140,000.

01:19:44

Close Negotiation for Classic Airplane at $140

  • The negotiation for a classic airplane was close, with the buyer offering $140 but considering $145 after further research, expressing disappointment at not sealing the deal but appreciating the opportunity to view the aircraft.
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