Back in 9th standard, I had a post-school routine. I’d get home, change out of my uniform, sit down for lunch, switch on the TV, and go straight to History TV18. They used to air Pawn Stars and Storage Wars, perfect lunchtime viewing before I rushed off to tuition classes (JEE :’) ).
I watched the hindi dub version because the English voice option didn’t have subtitles. I genuinely liked learning the stories behind the items people brought in. Some of them had real historical value. And then there was Rick, the king of negotiation, offering the most hilariously low prices.
Customer: I want $10,000
Rick: So I was thinking more like... $1,000.
He lowballed everyone. And yet, people kept coming in. I think the prices are more or less controlled by the middle men.
What really surprised me was how casually people sold heirlooms - things passed down over generations. Someone would walk in with their grandfather’s war medal and sell it for pocket change. I couldn’t help but judge a little. I mean, it’s your family’s legacy. You’re not desperate. What’s the plan? Spend it in Las Vegas gambling?
Chum lee was the joker of the show. In later seasons, though, they made him the tell the history behind things, and it didn’t feel natural. Watching Chum suddenly tell facts about medieval manuscripts? not his vibe.
Some of the deals they made were jaw-dropping. Jimi Hendrix’s guitar, rare coins, Mickey Mouse statues going for $30,000. I didn’t understand who paid that much for collectibles, but maybe American culture allows for that kind of abundance. The shop was always full, coins, toys, antiques. I often wondered how they managed their cash flow. Did they ever sell anything? Was it all debt-fueled? Rick now makes million-dollar purchases, but he’s also a celebrity, so maybe it all works out.
I still watch Pawn Stars marathons on YouTube. My favorite episodes are the ones with war memorabilia, old jackets, weapons, medals. There's so much rich history in those items. The show even taught me a lot about rare books. I think war memorabilia exists a lot in America because they have been involved in so many wars.
Speaking of books, Rebecca was a personal favourite. She was a total book nerd in the best way. The Gutenberg Bible leaf was probably the most memorable piece featured. I’d love to own something like that someday. Hand-painted manuscripts, antique bindings, so fascinating. I love books.
The toy collections were just as cool. I remember the episode where Corey shot Rick with a toy bazooka. That actually made me dislike Corey a bit.
But then they brought in Hot Wheels cars worth $60,000, cowboy toys, Smurfs, Star Wars figures. Childhood memories with five-figure price tags.
And then there were cannons. Yes, actual working cannons. Rick bought a few. Apparently, you can legally own them in America, which honestly blew my mind.
In the world of Pawn Stars, everything interesting had a price.
I also remember the death of the Old man, he loved Silver, he was a war veteran, I think at some point a whole American generation was involved in war so there are a lot of veterans who have now pivoted to being businessmen.
Rick loved history, Old Man loved Silver, Corey loved Bikes, Chum loved sneakers. (loves?)
The show gave a glimpse of the actual American society.
Sometimes I think—if I ever make it big, I’ll open a pawn shop in India. I’d love to see what people bring in. Maybe some vintage coins, toys from the 80s, forgotten family treasures.
But there’s a catch. Unlike the U.S., India doesn’t have a clear market for collectibles. Pricing is murky. Buyers are rare. Most wealthy Indian collectors are into luxury cars, foreign art, watches. I doubt anyone here’s paying top dollar for old comics or antique medals.
Still, the dream stays alive. One day, maybe.
