New History Channel Show: Pawn Stars
The History Channel is about to launch a new series focusing on the somewhat unpromising subject of a pawnshop. The series goes by the rather prurient but, I suppose, amusing moniker of Pawn Stars and features three generations working together in the pawn business, a business that served as the main form of credit in the United States until about 1950 and remains one of the oldest forms of banking. This particular business is apparently the only family-run pawnshop in Los Angeles and indeed the family tensions and camaraderie make up a large part of the premiere episode. Thus the History Channel enters the world of (quasi-) reality TV in a manner in which only The History Channel could—mixing family and business dynamics with a genuine interest in historical artifacts.
Richard Harrison (often simply called “the Old Man”) started his “Gold & Silver Pawn Shop” in 1988 after losing millions in real estate. He dresses, at least for the credits, as an underachieving mob boss and because of his poor eyesight (presumably) he squints no end. Supposedly, he assesses the value of any piece of merchandise with remarkable exactitude (at least according to the press material) but in this episode he is exposed as having made a rather serious gaffe—he priced a Carson City coin worth roughly $500 at a mere $50 because he could not accurately read the back of the coin. His son and grandson finally convince him to visit the eye doctor but he insists on driving to the appointment!
Rick Harrison seems to be the center of the business. In this episode, he is the one that goes out to view the merchandise (here a cannon and a humungous table saw) and makes the offer. He is an enthusiastic purchaser and knows when to call in the experts. Now for those of us interested in the history aspect of shows presented by the History Channel, this is where the show earns our interest.
Rick considers buying an 1890 Horchkiss Cannon that may have been used in Cuba for the attack on San Juan Hill. Only 50 such guns are in existence. Justifiably Rick has his doubts. So he calls in an expert to verify its value. Here we learn how one assesses the value of cannons (apparently they have to fire—I want to know who is firing these things off) and we also get a great deal of information regarding this specific model. It truly is intriguing—but it is a rather small portion of the episode. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the reality-show nature of the series forces Rick and his actual work into second place behind the antics of his father and his son.
Ahh… his son. Cory (also known as “Big Hoss” but I refuse to call anyone by such a ridiculous name) works the shop, which basically means he tries to catch his grandfather’s mistakes and humors the shop’s resident moron, a guy by the name of Chumlee but who is called “Chum” (as if that improves matters). Chumlee identifies himself immediately as an idiot (“but I’m your idiot” he says adoringly to Cory) and all of the other employees continually lament his presence when any real work is to be done. If I were more cynical, I would say that he was hired specifically to add a goofy character for the show. Actually, I am that cynical and that is what I am saying. If I am wrong and he is a bona fide employee, so much worse for the company. Cory himself is not much better. He is a tattooed, motorcycle-riding, sarcastic cartoon.
This is the problem with the show. It contains a real figure of real interest (Rick, but you knew that) book-ended by two caricatures. I suppose Richard and Corey represent the human element or better yet the “reality” element but history ought to be reality enough. OK, fine. So I have outed myself. I am a History Channel nut. I love this channel.
But that is precisely why I cannot and will not give them a pass to dress up a lame reality show with the vestiges of historical insight. Yes, I want to know how dealers appraise valuable (or not-so-valuable) objects. Yes, I want to know more about the details of various cannons and their rarity. Yes, I want to understand why a Superbowl ring is more valuable (I can hardly write this) than a Picasso drawing!! But I don’t want to sit through twenty minutes of bullshit for two minutes worth of information.
Comments
I have been shopping at gold & silver pawn shop for at least 15 years, and rick does know his stuff he can give you a 20 minute history lesson on just about any thing in his store. Richard is getting along in years and I rarely see him in the store any more and I understand he takes care of his wife who is bed ridden, a few years ago he was sharp as a tack. Cory and Chumlee have also worked there for years, I have not talked to cory much but Chumlee has helped me a few times and he is a little slow. Overall this is the best pawn shop in Vegas and has great deals on jewelery.
I will watch the show
Comment by sara from vegas — July 17, 2009 @ 7:09 pm
Know what the 3 “balls” pawn shop logo mean? 2 to 1 you get rooked. Learned that from an old pwan shop owner in the D. Bims loans it was called
Comment by Larry from detroit — July 21, 2009 @ 12:51 pm
Hey Chadwick, just as silly…or pretentious name as “Big Hoss”. Proof read your work…the shop is in Vegas, not Los Angeles as you stated.
Comment by matthew shurts from OC — July 27, 2009 @ 10:27 am
Chadwick, I’m completely of the opposite position—I adore Pawn Stars! It’s a great combination of entertainment, collectibles & history (which I wrote about at CQ - see the URL I provided).
Perhaps you’re not the right audience for the show because of your lack of experience with collectibles, evidenced by your “Yes, I want to understand why a Superbowl ring is more valuable (I can hardly write this) than a Picasso drawing!!” Such a comment states that you’re not familiar with common collecting points such as rarity (far fewer Super Bowl rings made than Picasso words—and even fewer of the rings are available).
While Pawn Stars won’t replace History Detectives (and they are not in competitive time slots), I think History’s latest entry into such a category is well done to add the slice of a reality format.
Comment by Deanna Dahlsad from Fargo, ND — July 30, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
I am a pawn broker in iowa & love this show. They deal with stranger things & bigger dollar amounts than I do, but its very true to form. We watch it at work. We learn a little & laugh a lot. History has hit one out of the park with this one!!!
Comment by Steve W from Iowa — August 7, 2009 @ 8:43 pm
This show is great and is one of the most historically intense recurring show on History channel for a while (they dont do history anymore) ie it is not Ice Truckers, Monster Quest, Monster Quest, After people , oh and Monster Quest.
Comment by jimmy — August 10, 2009 @ 10:41 pm
The jeweler has a domestic violence / assult and battery charge pending in the las vegas courts. he attacked his own daughter less than a month after her surgery. why anyone would watch these fake loosers is beyond me.
Comment by Sol from usa — August 11, 2009 @ 2:58 pm
Wow. I have to say—of all of the things that I have written for this website I am astounded (and a little bothered) that this is the one that has garnered the most responses!! But all the same, I value your opinions. I really don’t understand what anyone sees in this show but that’s fine. I don’t write reviews so that people will agree with me. I write them purely as a response that readers might consider. I would never want to dissuade someone from watching any program.
That being said, I will respond to some of the comments.
To most of you—I am truly glad that you see something in this program that I do not. Maybe I will look at it again. Probably I won’t. That is the point of taste, I suppose. We can’t all share our preferences.
To Larry—good one. Never heard it but with my limited experience with pawn shops, the saying sounds apt to me.
To Matthew—the difference is plain. My mother gave me my name. No one names their child “big hoss.” That is what we call a nickname. If you don’t know the difference, I can explain it. If my name sounds pretentious to you, blame my mother. But I don’t suggest it. She is tough!! As for the Los Angeles gaffe—sorry, that is my responsibility. However, it hardly affects anything substantive about the review. Also, if you want to talk about proofreading, might I point out that “proofread” is a single word, not two. Also you left out an article before the word “name”. So there. I can be snooty too.
To Deanna—I read your review and enjoyed it. I totally disagree, of course, but there is nothing wrong with that. However, I must say that it is not the case that I am the wrong audience. I AM interested in collectibles and the valuation of them. That is precisely why I hated the first episode (the only one I saw, by the way). That episode simply teased me with the idea that a Superbowl ring was worth more than a Picasso (notice they didn’t say WHICH Picasso—which makes a huge difference); they explained nothing. That is the problem for me.
To Sol—be more explicit. Which jeweler?
Best to all and thanks for reading (and for disagreeing—it makes for a much more interesting conversation).
Comment by Chadwick Jenkins from New York City — August 11, 2009 @ 8:28 pm
— PopMatters sponsor —
I can’t believe I forgot this.
To Jimmy—You have just depressed me more than I can say. I suppose saying that the History Channel doesn’t do history anymore is like saying MTV doesn’t do videos anymore but it feels far more distressing to me.
Oh Jimmy, why? Why, I ask you!!
And the idea that this show is intense makes me wonder if you live in a bubble like Travolta in that movie. You don’t, do you?
Comment by Chadwick Jenkins from New York City — August 11, 2009 @ 8:30 pm
I have a sword that is a little bit over 3ft. long
the sword was actually used in the Vietnam war. Would you guys e-mail me back at amie6798@yahoo.com.
We would like to know how much the sword is worth!!
Thank you,
Amie Perez
Comment by amie from bakersfield,california — August 13, 2009 @ 11:57 am
I like the show - I (as does Chadwick) don’t care for the seemingly staged “reality” stuff, but I liken this show to a more “hip” Antiques Roadshow.
Compared to a lot of crap, at least we get our 60 seconds of information in this show.
My wife and I will visit the store when in Vegas next month.
best regards -
mqqn
Comment by mqqn from Mapleton Illinois — August 21, 2009 @ 10:24 pm
I like the show and am moving to NY (not the city) but would like to get more into different antiques than furniture. Willing to partner if the deal is right. I can buy cheaper but u can sell for more. Let me know, I restore and have knowledge of what I’m lookin’ at.
Thank You
Comment by pmiller01@frontiernet.net from USA — August 31, 2009 @ 9:49 pm
Wonderful show- counterpart to Antique Road Show.
Please increase your show beyond Sunday only
Comment by Lu Lilenthal — September 13, 2009 @ 9:07 pm
I know that it would only make them money to have an online store to go along with all this exposure. I actually ran across this site looking for their online store! I would love to get something from them to add to my collections.
Best Wishes Guys, great show, great stuff, with a perfect blend of great personalities!
Comment by Gary Langley from Michigan — November 8, 2009 @ 9:36 pm