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Pawn Stars: 7 TIMES RICK TOTALLY NERDS OUT!

Pawn Stars・28 minutes read

Laird showcases rare Viking swords, symbolizing wealth and status, while Rick purchases a valuable copy of Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" for $2,700.

Insights

  • Viking swords, like those in Laird's collection, were not only symbols of wealth and power in Viking society but also required significant skill to craft due to the intricate process of turning iron into steel, making surviving examples rare and valuable.
  • Rick's negotiation for Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" highlights its importance in economic thought, emphasizing wealth creation through hard work and the concept of the "invisible hand" guiding market prices, showcasing how historical context and condition contribute to the value of rare books.

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Recent questions

  • What materials were used to decorate Viking swords?

    Silver, copper, and yellow.

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Summary

00:00

Rare Viking Swords, Wealth of Nations Book

  • Laird has two classic Viking swords in his collection, one from the pre-Christian era and another from around 1050 A.D., with the latter being inscribed with the name "Nisso."
  • Viking swords were often decorated with silver, copper, and yellow, but many did not survive due to burning during burials, making Laird's swords rare.
  • The process of turning iron into steel required significant effort and skill, especially to achieve a high carbon content for a hard edge, as seen in the 1050 A.D. sword.
  • The Viking sword symbolized wealth, power, and status within Viking society, akin to a modern luxury car, with prices for such swords ranging from $35,000 to $40,000.
  • Rick is shown an 18th-century edition of Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations," considered a pivotal work in capitalist economics, influencing the founding fathers and the industrial revolution.
  • The book emphasizes the creation of wealth through hard work and business, with the concept of the "invisible hand" guiding market prices, making it a significant piece in economic thought.
  • Rick negotiates the purchase of the book for $2,700, with its historical context and condition contributing to its value in book collecting.
  • A meteorite, likely from Argentina's Campo del Cielo, is tested and valued at around $10,000 based on its iron and nickel content, with the seller initially asking for $24,000.
  • The seller agrees to sell the meteorite for $7,000 after the expert assessment, acknowledging the fair price given its authenticity and family history.
  • An original Wooten desk from 1885, known as the "king of desks," is showcased, featuring organizational compartments and a mailbox design, with the seller seeking $14,500 for its sale.

14:44

Historical Desk, Telescope, Engine, Jersey Valuation Expertise

  • The desk in question is a Wooten desk, known for its prestige and historical significance, owned by famous individuals like American presidents and Queen Victoria.
  • The seller initially asks for $14,500 for the desk, but eventually agrees to sell it for $13,500 after negotiation.
  • The desk is made of black walnut with cubby holes and faced in curly maple, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and historical value.
  • The expert confirms the authenticity of the Wooten desk and appreciates its condition and modifications.
  • A telescope by Carl Zeiss from the late 1800s is brought in, known for its high-quality lenses and historical significance.
  • The expert values the telescope at around $800 due to missing parts, despite the seller's initial hope for $12,000.
  • A hit and miss engine, an early gasoline motor, is presented, admired for its simplicity and efficiency compared to steam engines.
  • The hit and miss engine is valued at $1,800 after negotiation, with the seller appreciating the machine's historical and mechanical significance.
  • An authentic Dan Fouts jersey, a legendary quarterback's memorabilia, is brought in, valued at around $150 due to limited demand outside of San Diego.
  • An expert confirms the authenticity of the signature on the jersey, comparing it to a template and highlighting key characteristics of Dan Fouts' autograph.

28:39

"Speaker offers $150 for nostalgic item"

  • The speaker offers $150 for an item that is valued at thousands, expressing personal attachment and nostalgia, hinting at the possibility of paying more for Chargers-related items.
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