Pawn Stars

Pawn Stars
From left: Corey, Rick, and Richard Harrison
Format	Reality television
Starring	Rick Harrison Richard Harrison Corey Harrison Austin "Chumlee" Russell
Country of origin	United States
Language(s)	English
No. of seasons	5
No. of episodes	126 (List of episodes)
Production
Location(s)	Las Vegas, Nevada
Running time	23 minutes
Production company(s)	Leftfield Pictures
Broadcast
Original channel	History Channel
Picture format	1.78:1 widescreen[1]
Audio format	Dolby Digital Stereo[1]
Original run	July 19, 2009 (2009-07-19) – present
External links
Website

Pawn Stars is an American reality television series on the History Channel, produced in Manhattan by Leftfield Pictures. The series is filmed in Las Vegas, Nevada, where it chronicles the daily activities at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, a 24-hour family business operated by patriarch Richard Harrison (or "The Old Man"), his son Rick Harrison (who opened the shop with his father in 1988), Rick's son Corey (who has worked there since childhood), and Corey's childhood friend, Austin "Chumlee" Russell. The show, which became the network's highest rated show,^[2][3] and the No. 2 reality show behind Jersey Shore, debuted on July 26, 2009. Reruns can be seen on History as well as its sister network Lifetime, which added the show in December 2010.^[4][5]

The series depicts the staff's interactions with customers, who bring in a variety of artifacts to sell or pawn and who are shown haggling over the price and discussing its historical background, with narration provided by the Harrisons and occasionally Chumlee. The series also follows the interpersonal conflicts among the cast. One reviewer referencing these conflicts described the show as a version of Antiques Roadshow "hijacked by American Chopper's" Teutul family.^[6] TV Guide has offered a similar description, calling the show "one part Antiques Roadshow, a pinch of LA Ink and a dash of COPS".^[7]

Numerous local experts in a variety of areas also regularly appear to appraise the items being sold or pawned, one of whom, Rick Dale of Rick's Restorations, is the star of the series' first spin-off, American Restoration, which premiered in October 2010.^[8][9][10] Cameo appearances have been made by Bob Dylan, Jeremy McKinnon, Meredith Vieira, the Oak Ridge Boys and George Stephanopoulos.^[11]

Cast

Shop staff

• Rick Kevin Harrison^[12] – The boss at the pawn shop, nicknamed "The Spotter". He started in the pawn business at age 13,^[13][14] and is the co-owner of the shop,^[15] having started it with his father in 1988, at the age of 23.^[13] He also mentions he's been at the store for 21 years in the show's opening title sequence. Boasting that the Gold & Silver is the only family-owned pawn shop in Las Vegas, Rick says he dropped out of high school in the tenth grade because he was making $2,000 a week selling fake Gucci bags.^[13]
• Richard Benjamin^[16] "The Old Man" Harrison – (born March 4, 1941^[17]) father and co-owner of the pawn shop,^[15] which he opened in 1988.^[18] He is usually referred to by his nickname, "The Old Man",^[19] which he earned at age 38, according to the episode "Fired Up".^[1] Originally from Lexington, North Carolina,^[20] he is the first to arrive at the shop in the morning,^[21] and has not had a sick day since 1994.^[22] He is a 20 year veteran of the U. S. Navy. He is particularly passionate about automobiles, showing an interest in all types of cars,^[23] from the 1966 Chrysler Imperial his son and grandson had restored for his 50th wedding anniversary^[24] to the mid-1960s B&Z Electra-King electric car shown to them in "Honest Abe", which he suggested could be converted into a golf cart.^[25]
• Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison – Rick's son, nicknamed "Big Hoss". Corey (who is also named Richard^[26]) started at the shop at age nine, polishing jewelry.^[27][28][29] He is now the manager of the shop's day-to-day operations, and 30 of its employees,^[30] makes the most purchases of anyone in the shop,^[31] and is being groomed by Rick to be the boss one day. Corey often comes into conflict with his father and grandfather over his knowledge of the shop's inventory,^[32] his responsibilities as a manager,^[33] and his overall judgment in sales,^[34] in particular his purchase of expensive items.^[35] Following gastric lap band surgery in 2010 and a change to his diet, Harrison's weight went down from 365 lb (166 kg) to approximately 250 lb (113 kg) by July 2011.^[36]
• Austin "Chumlee" Russell^[37] – Corey's childhood friend, employed for five years at the time of the first season,^[38][39] having started at the shop when he was 21.^[40] Chumlee was given his nickname at age 12 by the father of a childhood friend, who named him after the walrus sidekick of Tennessee Tuxedo.^{[41][37][42][43]} He does behind-the-counter work at the shop, such as testing the items and loading them. He is often the butt of the others' jokes for his perceived lack of intelligence and his incompetence,^[42][44] for which he has been referred to as a "village idiot".^[1][38][43] Chumlee has responded to this by explaining that he is underestimated, and points to his expertise in pinball machines, which he utilizes in the second season episode "Pinball Wizards", much to Corey's surprise, as an example of one of the areas in which he is knowledgeable.^[45] As a result of the show, Russell formed his own company, which sells novelty items, including T-shirts of his own design, and arranges for his personal appearances. He sold half of the company in 2010 to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, which sells his merchandise.^[46]
• Danielle "Peaches" Rainey – One of the shop staff members.^[30] In the episode "Rope a Dope", she is punished for her habitual tardiness by being put on the graveyard shift with Chumlee, who harbors an unrequited affection for her. In "Peaches & Pinups", she reluctantly helps Rick appraise a box of Playboy magazines, despite her distaste for the task. She is also seen in "Chum Goes AWOL", and in the closing scene of "Confederate Conundrum".
• Fat Back – One of the pawn shop's in-house mechanics. In addition to repair, he provides appraisals on the condition of vehicles.^[47]
• Scott – A part-time employee of the shop and a friend of Rick's who spends much time at flea markets and estate sales, purchasing items that Rick in turn will purchase from him for the shop.^[48]
• Johnny – An in-house mechanic, and expert in racing memorabilia.^[49]
• Antwaun^[50] – The shop's 6' 5"^[51] security guard.^[50] Usually seen in the background, Antwaun sometimes sells store T-shirts to people who come in, helps customers bring in large items, and when necessary, removes customers who are unruly or disruptive.^[51] In "Flight of the Chum", for example, he attempts to intervene when a seller becomes irate after Rick informs him that the Perseus statue he brought into the shop is not an original by Émile Louis Picault, but a copy. He features heavily in an episode storyline for the first time in the fourth season "Teacher's Pet", in which he is revealed to have worked at the shop for three years, and is tutored by Chumlee on negotiating prices and discerning genuine gold.^[50] When he later prepares to take a few days off in "Security", he in turn tutors Chumlee on how to work the door.^[52]

Recurring experts

Professional specialists are sometimes called in by the pawn shop to determine the authenticity and value of the items brought in and, in some cases, to restore them. The following is a list of recurring experts who have appeared in two or more episodes.

• Mark Allen – Performer and collector of Western memorabilia, and owner of Wild West Arts Club and Western Stage Props.^{[53][54][55][56][57]}
• Brenda Anderson – Handwriting expert and owner of Expert Handwriting Analysis.^[58][59]
• Jesse Armoroso – Expert in stringed instruments, and manager of Cowtown Guitars.^[60][61]
• Joe Ashman – Gun expert, and owner of Ashman's Pioneer Market in Fillmore, Utah.^[62][63]
• Jeremy Brown – Expert in sports memorabilia and cards, and owner of Ultimate Sports Cards & Memorabilia.^[64][65]
• Rick Dale – Metal artist and antique restorer, and owner of Rick's Restorations.^[66][67][68] Dale also stars in American Restoration, a spin-off set at Rick's Restorations and starring Dale and his staff, which premiered in October 2010.^[8][9][10]
• Tony Dee – Antique firearms expert.^[69]
• Ferdinand Geitner – Master watchmaker and clockmaker, expert in timepieces, and owner of Montecito Clock Gallery.^[70][71]
• Mark Hall-Patton – 20th century historian and administrator of the Clark County Heritage Museum and the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum at McCarran Airport.^[72][73][74] Hall-Patton is the expert most often consulted by the Harrisons.^[75] Unlike most experts who appear on the show, Hall-Patton never offers a financial estimate of an item's value, preferring to only establish authenticity.^[76]
• Johnny Jimenez – Expert in vintage toys, and owner of Toy Shack of Las Vegas.^[77][78]
• Danny Koker – Motorcycle restoration expert, and owner of Count’s Kustoms.^{[79][80][81][82]}
• Wally Korhonen – Expert in automobile restoration, and owner of Rusty Nuts Rods and Customs.^[53][83][84]
• Dana Linett – Expert in artifacts from Early American history, including the Colonial and Revolutionary periods, and President of Early American History Auctions.^[85][86][87]
• Mark Logan – Expert in classic and performance cars, as well as dragsters, and President of Nevada Classics, Inc. and Shelby Cars Northwest.^[88][89]
• Brett Maly – Fine art appraiser for Art Encounter in Las Vegas.^[90]
• Drew Max – Forensic document examiner/handwriting expert, and owner of Authentic Autographs Unlimited.^[91][92][93]
• Paul Milbury – Owner of Military Historical Arms & Antiques, and an expert in historical military arms and antiques from 1776 - World War II.^[94]
• Sean Rich – Antique arms and armory expert, specializing in the 16th to 18th centuries, and owner of Tortuga Trading Inc.^[95][96][97]
• Rebecca Romney – Rare books expert, and manager at the Las Vegas Gallery of Bauman Rare Books.^{[98][99][100]}
• Charles Roof – Archery specialist and manager of Pacific Archery Sales.^[101]
• Murray SawChuck – Professional magician and magic historian, owner of Murray Productions Inc.^[102]
• Matthew C. Shortal – Aviation expert, Marine F-18 and Navy Blue Angels pilot, and graduate of Top Gun.^[103]
• Bill Ybarzabal – Boat restorer, and owner of A1A Marine Tech.^[104][105]

History

Pawn Stars began with Brent Montgomery and Colby Gaines of Leftfield Pictures, who were struck by the array of eclectic and somewhat seedy pawn shops in Las Vegas during a 2008 weekend visit to the city. Thinking such shops might contain unique characters, they searched for a family-run shop on which to center a TV series, until they found the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop less than two miles from the Las Vegas Strip,^[106] whose manager, Rick Harrison, had been trying unsuccessfully to pitch a show based on his shop for years,^[107] and who had been featured in the Las Vegas episode of Insomniac with Dave Attell in 2003.^[108] The series, initially called Pawning History, was originally to be broadcast on pay cable, though the network interested in it desired a Taxicab Confessions-style series. The format eventually evolved into the now-familiar family-oriented motif used on the series.^[18] History president Nancy Dubac, who had been charged with creating programming with a more populist appeal to balance out the network's in-depth military programming, picked up the series, though she adjusted its storyline in order to bring it in line with the network's brand, which included the on-camera experts appraising the items brought into the Gold & Silver, though she did not discourage the interpersonal conflicts among the show's stars.^[106] The network renamed the show Pawn Stars, believing that name to be more pleasing and easily remembered.^[18]

Although jewelry is the most commonly pawned item at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop,^[109] most of the customers featured in episodes bring in a variety of vintage or antique items to the store, which has 12,000 items in its inventory as of July 2011^[110] (5,000 of which are typically held on pawn).^[111] Each episode consists of segments devoted to approximately five or six of these items, in which either Rick, his son, Corey, or Harrison's father Richard (known as the "Old Man"), explain the historical facts behind the object. Whoever is evaluating the object goes over potential value with the customer, interspersed with an interview in which he explains the basis of his decision to the viewer. A price tag graphic at the bottom corner of the screen provides the ever-changing dollar amount as the two haggle over the item's price. When the Harrisons are unable to evaluate an object, they consult with a knowledgeable expert who can evaluate it to determine its authenticity and potential value and, in the case of items needing repair, the cost of restoration. Following that, they are shown haggling over price with the customer (except in the case of objects needing restoration, which Rick usually purchases in advance, taking a risk on the cost of restoration).^[112] Interpersonal narratives focusing on the relationship and conflicts among Rick, Corey, the Old Man, and Corey's childhood friend, Austin "Chumlee" Russell, who also works at the shop, are also shown. These usually pertain to arguments over the running of the shop, Rick and the Old Man questioning Corey's judgment,^[33][35] and aspersions cast on Chumlee's intelligence and competence.^[44] Before the second commercial break, a multiple choice trivia question pertaining to the shop or the cast members is shown, with the answer provided after the break.

In an October 2010 Bloomberg Businessweek interview, Rick Harrison indicated that talks were in progress for a fourth season.^[106]

In July 2011, Harrison signed a record-breaking 80-episode renewal contract for four more seasons of the series.^[2]

Reception

Pawn Stars is History's highest-rated series.^[2] An original episode broadcast on January 24, 2011 was watched by seven million viewers, the most-watched telecast ever on History, according to the network and Nielsen Media Research.^[113] In 2011 it was the second highest-rated reality series on TV behind Jersey Shore, attracting 7.6 million viewers.^[114]

Christopher Long, reviewing the first season DVD for DVD Town, praised the series for its cast and the educational value of the items examined, calling it "addictive" and "a big-time winner", and opined that it is the best show on the History Channel and perhaps cable.^[1] In one issue of TV Guide, writer Rob Moynihan included the show in a list of "guilty pleasures."^[7] April McIntyre of Monsters and Critics, whose negative view of pawn shops influenced her view of the series' setting, reviewed one episode of the series, which she labeled a "cool Antiques Roadshow". Though she found aspects of it interesting, she criticized what she perceived as an emphasis on cheap laughs at the expense of family patriarch Richard Harrison over the show's historical material, as well as Corey Harrison's weight. She ultimately saw potential for the series if aspects of it that she found to be in poor taste were curbed.^[115] USA Today's Gary Strauss opined that the bickering among the Harrisons, as well as the customers seen in the shop, is "alternately amusing and grating". People magazine wrote of the show, "Think Antiques Roadshow, but with neon and far more tattoos."^[116] Some of History's viewers were reportedly displeased with how reality series like Pawn Stars and Swamp People have replaced some of the network's previous history-oriented programming.^[114]

The series has also attracted some criticism from other pawnbrokers, who while conceding its entertainment value, claim that the series' focus on the extravagant vintage items brought into the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop are not typical of the average pawn shop, whose business is predicated on individuals on fixed income who bring in conventional objects in order to pay their bills, such as electronics, tools and jewelry. Corey Grigson and Charles Brown, who own a shop called Pawn Stars, estimate that their average loan to a customer is between $50 and $100. They also point out appraisals are handled by the staff, who rely on experience, reference works and research, and not the outside experts who are frequently seen on the show aiding the Harrisons.^{[117][dead link]}

In 2010 Rick Harrison and the staff of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop were awarded the Pawnbroker of the Year Award by the National Pawnbroker's Association for bringing the industry greater recognition and a better image with the TV show.^{[16][107][118][119]}

In addition to spawning imitators, such as the truTV series Hardcore Pawn, the success of Pawn Stars has been a boon to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, which has become a Las Vegas tourist site, and has expanded its business accordingly. The shop, which averaged between 70 and 100 customers per day, grew to more than 1,000 by October 2010. As a result, the shop hired nearly 30 new employees,^[120] and underwent a $400,000 expansion of their showroom by two thirds, to 15,000 square feet,^[18][106] the shop's tenth expansion since it opened.^[121] Rick Harrison also mentioned in the fourth season episode "Over the Top" that he was building a gym above the Pawn Shop for the staff's use.^[29] The shop also now sells its own brand merchandise, whose designs originate from fans entering design competitions on Facebook, which saves the Harrisons the cost of hiring professional designers. The staff's presence on Facebook and Twitter also ensures audiences during local nightclub appearances, for which Corey Harrison and Chumlee Russell are paid $1,000 a night.^[2]

In 2011, the History Channel launched Pawn Stars: The Game for play on Facebook.^[122]

In June 2011, Rick Harrison's autobiography, License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver, was published by Hyperion Books.^[123][124]

Similar series

Following the success of Pawn Stars, Leftfield Pictures created two similar series that follow the same formula:

• Oddities, a Discovery Channel series which premiered in November 2010, focusing on the operations of a New York–based antique shop.
• What the Sell?!, a TLC series that debuted in March 2011, about three generations of women running an antique shop in Wheaton, Illinois.
• Auction Kings, a Discovery Channel series produced by Authentic Entertainment, which features appraisals of items by experts, and historical background provided on them.
• Hardcore Pawn a series on truTV featuring on a American Jewelry & Loan in Detroit.^[125]

International broadcast

• Australia - Seven Network
• Bulgaria - History (as Спецове в заложната къща ["Masters at Pawnshop"])
• Brazil - History (as Trato Feito ["Done Deal"])
• Canada – History Television, Historia (the French version is called Pawn Stars: prêteurs sur gages ["Pawn Stars: Pawnbrokers"])
• Croatia - HRT (as ["Zalagaonica"])
• Czech Republic - History (as Hvězdy zastavárny - ["Pawnshop Stars"])
• Germany – History (as Die Drei vom Pfandhaus ["The Three of the Pawnshop"])
• Hungary – History (as Zálogcsillagok ["Pawnstars"])
• Indonesia - History
• Israel – History (as היסטוריה למכירה ["History For Sale"])
• Italy - History (as Affari di famiglia ["Family Business"])
• Japan - History (as アメリカお宝鑑定団 ポーン・スターズ)
• Latin America – History (as El Precio de la Historia ["The Price of History"])
• Malaysia – History (Astro Channel 555)
• Malta - History, Bio.
• Montenegro - History
• Netherlands - History
• Norway – MAX (as Pantelånerne i Las Vegas ["Pawnbrokers in Las Vegas"])
• Philippines - History
• Poland - History (as Gwiazdy Lombardu ["Pawnshop Stars"])
• Singapore - History (Starhub Channel 401)
• South Africa - 254 History Channel DStv
• Thailand - History (TrueVision Channel 18)
• United Kingdom – History, Bio., Channel 5
• United States – History, Lifetime

Episodes

Main article: List of Pawn Stars episodes

See also

• Hardcore Pawn, similar series on truTV
• Auction Kings, similar series on Discovery Channel
• American Restoration, spin-off series starring Rick Dale
• American Pickers, itinerant buyers of antiques and collectibles
• Storage Wars, A&E
• Storage Hunters, TruTV
• Auction Hunters, Spike
• Oddities, featuring a New York antiques and oddities store
• The Incurable Collector, a similar show hosted by John Larroquette on A&E in the early 2000s.

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e} Christopher Long. Pawn Stars DVD review; DVD Town; December 29, 2009
2. ^ ^{a b c d} Childers, Linda. "Rick Harrison of 'Pawn Stars' spills success secrets", CNN Money, July 7, 2011
3. ^ "Corey Harrison: Partner and general manager, Gold and Silver Pawn", Las Vegas Sun, February 26, 2010
4. ^ Pawn Stars, Locate TV, accessed December 23, 2010.
5. ^ Rick Harrison and Tim Keown. License to Pawn, 204.
6. ^ Lawrence, Christopher. "Las Vegas pawnshop center of new reality series" Las Vegas Review-Journal; July 19, 2009
7. ^ ^{a b} Moynihan, Rob. "Summer's Guilty Pleasures" TV Guide; June 21, 2010; Page 23
8. ^ ^{a b} Hibberd, James (14 October 2010). "History spinning off "Pawn Stars"". The Hollywood Reporter. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/history-spinning-pawn-stars-28281. Retrieved 11 August 2011. 
9. ^ ^{a b} Katsilometes, John (June 29, 2010). "First‘Pawn Stars’ spinoff in production in Vegas, and it has restorative properties". Las Vegas Sun. http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2010/jun/29/first-pawn-stars-spinoff-production-and-it-has-res/. Retrieved September 24, 2010. 
10. ^ ^{a b} Katsilometes, John (September 24, 2010). "Rick Dale’s ‘Pawn Stars’ spinoff, ‘Rusty Nuts,’ set for Oct. 18 debut". Las Vegas Sun. http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2010/sep/24/rick-dales-pawn-stars-spinoff-rusty-nuts-set-oct-1/. Retrieved September 24, 2010. 
11. ^ Jeremy McKinnon appears in the episode "Double Trouble", and Bob Dylan in "Like a Rolling Chum", both of which premiered in September 2010. Meredith Vieira appeared in "Chumdog Millionaire", which premiered in October 2010. All three aired during the third season. The Oak Ridge Boys appeared in the episode "Packing Heat", which premiered in December 2010, and George Stephanopoulos in "Buy The Book", which premiered June 6, 2011, both of which aired during the fourth season.
12. ^ His middle name is established in "Chopper Gamble" (Episode 2.19).
13. ^ ^{a b c} Meet the Pawn Stars: Rick "The Spotter" Harrison. History.com, accessed August 30, 2011.
14. ^ His nickname is also established by the interstitial quiz that connects the second and third acts of the episode "Luck of the Draw".
15. ^ ^{a b} Rick claims in "Steaks at Stake to own 50% of the store, but Richard insists that Rick owns only 49%.
16. ^ ^{a b} Bob Shemeligian (July 13, 2010). "Road to 'Pawn' – Before 'Stars,' Rick made sandwiches". New York Post. http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/road_to_pawn_vtN2GZyL7mIGmNEFsyC6JN. Retrieved August 18, 2011. 
17. ^ "Pawn Stars’ Richard “Old Man” Harrison Celebrates 70th Birthday", VegasNews.com, March 4, 2011
18. ^ ^{a b c d} Strauss, Gary. "From 'Pawn Stars' to 'Pickers,' America's trash is TV's treasure" USA Today February 18, 2010
19. ^ Meet the Pawn Stars: The Old Man "The Appraiser", History.com, accessed February 10, 2011.
20. ^ "Chummobile", Pawn Stars, Season 4, Episode 16, March 28, 2011
21. ^ "Phoning it In" (Episode 3.11); July 12, 2010
22. ^ "Big Guns" (Episode 2.24); March 8, 2010
23. ^ His passion for cars is mentioned in the first season episode "Rope a Dope" and the third season episode "Honest Abe". He mentions in the second season episode "Sharks and Cobras" that he has owned 40 cars in his life.
24. ^ "Old Man's Booty", Episode 2.3, History, December 7, 20009
25. ^ "Honest Abe" Pawn Stars, Episode 3.26, History, November 1, 2010
26. ^ "Pawn Illustrated", Episode 4.9, February 7, 2011
27. ^ Meet the Pawn Stars: Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison, History.com, accessed February 10, 2011.
28. ^ "Guns and Rangers". Pawn Stars. February 1, 2010. No. 17, season 2.
29. ^ ^{a b} "Over the Top". Pawn Stars. June 13, 2011. No. 33, season 4.
30. ^ ^{a b} "Backroom Brawl" (Episode 2.23)
31. ^ A previous version of History.com's cast page for the series stated that Rick closed most of the deals on the show. That statement is no longer on that page as of March 2, 2010, and the interstitial trivia quiz seen at the end of the last commercial break of the episode "Off the Wagon" states that Corey makes the most purchases. Corey's purchase rate has not been explicitly indicated, but the interstitial that precedes the last Act of "Flight of the Chum" states that Rick purchases approximately 50 items a week.
32. ^ His father quizzes him on this in "Rick's Big Bet".
33. ^ ^{a b} Examples include Rick's reaction to the purchase of a stolen item in "John Hancock's Hancock", and his perception of Corey's laziness in motivating staff people like Chumlee to keep the back storage area organized in "Backroom Brawl".
34. ^ Examples include Corey and the Old Man's bet in "Confederate Conundrum" that Corey could not sell a restored Rolex GMT watch for more than $4,800.
35. ^ ^{a b} Examples include his purchase of a boat in "Sink or Sell", despite his father's policy against buying boats, and his $38,000 purchase of a hot air balloon in "Hot Air Buffoon", despite his father's rule requiring him to consult him first when paying more than $10,000 for an item.
36. ^ "'I can run now': Pawn Star Corey Harrison's staggering 115lb weight loss". Mail Online. July 12, 2011.
37. ^ ^{a b} Meet the Pawn Stars: Austin "Chumlee" Russell, History.com, accessed February 9, 2011.
38. ^ ^{a b} "Boom or Bust" (Episode 1.1)
39. ^ "Plane Crazy" (Episode 1.12)
40. ^ "Moon Walking" (Episode 3.12); July 12, 2010
41. ^ Harrison, Rick. 204 License to Pawn. Google Books. accessed July 23, 2011.
42. ^ ^{a b} Profile for Austin "Chumlee" Russel at Gold and Silver Pawn Shop; Accessed August 25, 2010
43. ^ ^{a b} "Ready, Set, Pawn" (Episode 3.18); September 13, 2010
44. ^ ^{a b} Other examples include the Old Man's remarks in "Plane Crazy" that Chumlee probably can't spell the word "art", and can barely tie his own shoes.
45. ^ Chumlee later displays the ability to repair a gas-powered toy car in "Never Surrender" (Episode 3.25), and expert knowledge in discerning a fake pair of Air Jordan V sneakers in the following episode, "Honest Abe" (Episode 3.26). In that same episode, Corey references Chumlee's knowledge of pinball machines and video games as well.
46. ^ Harrison, License to Pawn, 216.
47. ^ "License to Pawn" (Episode 2.32), History, May 2, 2010
48. ^ "Peeping Pawn" (Episode 3.13)
49. ^ "Chumdog Millionaire" (Episode 3.22); "Case Closed" (Episode 4.6); "Take a Seat" (Episode 4.21)
50. ^ ^{a b c} "Teacher's Pet". Pawn Stars. History. September 19, 2011. No. 50, season 4.
51. ^ ^{a b} "Pawn Stars: Security Detail", History Channel's official YouTube channel, Dec 18, 2009, accessed June 14, 2011.
52. ^ "Security". Pawn Stars. History. September 26, 2011. No. 52, season 4.
53. ^ ^{a b} "Meet the Experts" History.com; Accessed January 24, 2010
54. ^ "Rope a Dope" (Episode 1.9); "John Hancock's Hancock" (Episode 1.11); "Steaks at Stake" (Episode 2.6); "Ace in the Hole" (Episode 3.14); "Monkey Business" (Episode 3.27)
55. ^ Meet the Experts: Mark Allen, History.com, Accessed November 1, 2010.
56. ^ Wild West Arts Club's official site
57. ^ Western Stage Props' official site
58. ^ "Damn Yankees" (Episode 1.6); "A Shot and a Shave" (Episode 2.4)
59. ^ Expert Handwriting Analysis' official site
60. ^ "Hot Air Buffoon" (Episode 2.5); "Chumdog Millionaire" (Episode 3.22); "Strike a Chord" (Episode 4.10); "Honor They Father" (Episode 4.34)"; Face the Music" (Episode 4.38)
61. ^ Cowtown Guitars
62. ^ Rick Harrison traveled to Utah to investigate items for sale at Ashman's market in "Sharpe Shooters" (Episode 4.30) and "Weird Science" (Episode 4.43), but Ashman later appeared as an expert at the Gold & Silver in "Rick or Treat" (Episode 4.54)
63. ^ Joe Ishmon. White Pages. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
64. ^ "Pipe Dreams" (Episode 4.47}; "Poker Night" (Episode 4.53)
65. ^ "Sports Memorabilia Authentication Station Taking Place Saturday, February 16th at Ultimate Sports Cards & Memorabilia". Globe Newswire. February 11, 2008
66. ^ Meet the Experts: Rick Dale, History.com, Accessed November 1, 2010.
67. ^ "Time Machines" (Episode 1.8); "Rick's Big Bet" (Episode 1.10); "A Shot and a Shave" (Episode 2.4); "Wheels" (Episode 2.12); "Off the Wagon" (Episode 2.21); "Bumpy Ride" (Episode 2.26); "Hell Week" (Episode 2.29); "The British Are Coming" (Episode 2.31); "Trail Breaker" (Episode 3.1); "Deals from Hell" (Episode 3.6); "The Pick, The Pawn and the Polish" (Episode 4.35); "Making Cents" (Episode 4.36)
68. ^ Rick's Restorations
69. ^ "A Shot and a Shave" (Episode 2.4); "Guns and Rangers" (Episode 2.16); "The Pick, The Pawn and the Polish" (Episode 4.35)
70. ^ "Sharks and Cobras" (Episode 2.2); "Rick's Bad Day" (Episode 2.11); "Ready, Set, Pawn" (Episode 3.18)
71. ^ Montecito Clock Gallery
72. ^ "Fired Up" (Episode 2.1); "Pezzed Off" (Episode 2.15); "Top Secret" (Episode 3.2); "Strike, Spare, BOOM" (Episode 3.8); "Message in a Bottle" (Episode 3.9); "Rough Riders" (Episode 3.10); "Moon Walking" (Episode 3.12); "Getting a Head" (Episode 3.16); "The Eagle Has Landed" (Episode 3.19); "Luck of the Draw" (Episode 4.3); "Case Closed" (Episode 4.6); "Darth Pawn" (Episode 4.7); "Put Up Your Dukes" (Episode 4.8), "Going Postal" (Episode 4.15); "Take a Seat" (Episode 4.21); "Spidey Cents" (Episode 4.25); "Necessary Roughness" (Episode 4.26); "Peacemaker" (Episode 4.27); "Broadsiding Lincoln" (Episode 4.29); "Buy the Book" (Episode 4.32); "Late Night Chum" (Episode 4.31); "Face the Music" (Episode 4.38); "Silent and Deadly" (Episode 4.42); "Pirate's Booty" (Episode 4.49); "Teacher's Pet" (Episode 4.50); "Security" (Episode 4.52)
73. ^ Meet the Experts: Mark Hall-Patton, History.com, Accessed November 1, 2010.
74. ^ Ed Vogel. "Chapel to be museum fixture", Las Vegas Review-Journal March 31, 2008
75. ^ As revealed by the interstitial trivia quiz shown at the beginning of Act 3 of "Spidey Cents" (Episode 4.25)
76. ^ See "Getting a Head" (Episode 3.16).
77. ^ "Like a Rolling Chum" (Episode 3.20); "Hello Nurse" (Episode 3.21); "Houdini's Handcuffs" (Episode 4.4); "Necessary Roughness" (Episode 4.26); "Buffalo Bull" (Episode 4.40); "Cannons and Klingons" (Episode 4.41); "Silent and Deadly" (Episode 4.42); "The King's Bling" (Episode 4.46)
78. ^ Toy Shack, accessed May 31, 2011.
79. ^ “Getting a Head” (Episode 3.16); "The Eagle Has Landed" (Episode 3.19); "Bare Bones" (Episode 3.24); "Packing Heat" (Episode 4.2); "Pedal to the Medal" (Episode 4.5); "Ah, Shoot!" (Episode 4.14); "Chummobile" (Episode 4.16); "Pablo Pawncasso" (Episode 4.18); "Missile Attack" (Episode 4.20); "Spidey Cents" (Episode 4.25); "Sharps Shooters" (Episode 4.29); "The Pick, The Pawn and the Polish" (Episode 4.35); "Out of Gas" (Episode 4.45); "Bugs Money" (Episode 4.51); "Security" (Episode 4.52)
80. ^ Meet the Experts: Danny Koker, History.com, Accessed November 1, 2010.
81. ^ Count’s Kustoms, Las Vegas – Motorcycles on Voyage.tv; Daily Motion; Accessed September 7, 2010
82. ^ “Vince Neil Celebrates Grand Opening of Vince Neil Ink at The Rio” VegasNews.com; September 13, 2009
83. ^ "Gangsters & Guitars" (Episode 1.5); "Helmet Head" (Episode 2.27)
84. ^ Rusty Nuts Rod-n-Custom
85. ^ "John Hancock's Hancock" (Episode 1.11); "PlaneCrazy" (Episode 1.12); "Steaks at Stake" (Episode 2.6); "Secret Santa" (Episode 2.8); "Chopper Gamble" (Episode 2.19); "Spooning Paul Revere" (Episode 2.20); "Zzzzzz" (Episode 2.30); "The British Are Coming" (Episode 2.31) "Aw Shucks!" (Episode 3.5); "Cornering the Colonel" (Episode 3.17); "Never Surrender" (Episode 3.25); "Honest Abe" (Episode 3.26); "Packing Heat" (Episode 4.2); "Harrison for President" (Episode 4.11); "Chummobile" (Episode 4.16); "Patton Pending" (Episode 4.24); "Broadsiding Lincoln" (Episode 4.29); "Honor Thy Father" (Episode 4.34)
86. ^ Meet the Experts: Dana Linett, History.com, Accessed November 1, 2010.
87. ^ Early American.com Home Page
88. ^ "Sharks and Cobras" (Episode 2.2); "Ready, Set, Pawn" (Episode 3.18)
89. ^ Nevada Classics
90. ^ "Monkey Business" (Episode 4.1); "Ah, Shoot!" (Episode 4.14); "Pablo Pawncasso" (Episode 4.18)
91. ^ Meet the Experts: Drew Max, History.com, Accessed November 1, 2010.
92. ^ "Phoning It In" (Episode 3.11); "Moon Walking" (Episode 3.12); "Like a Rolling Chum" (Episode 3.20); "Chumdog Millionaire" (Episode 3.22); "Pedal to the Medal" (Episode 4.5); "Put Up Your Dukes" (Episode 4.8); "Striking a Chord" (Episode 4.10); "Wise Guys" (Episode 4.12); "Evel Genius" (Episode 4.17); "Not on My Watch" (Episode 4.21); "Take a Seat" (Episode 4.22); "Pom Pom Pawn" (Episode 4.23); "Patton Pending" (Episode 4.24); "The Great Escape" (Episode 4.28); "Buy the Book" (Episode 4.32); "Buffalo Bull" (Episode 4.40); "The Wright Stuff" (Episode 4.44); "High Stakes" (Episode 4.48); "Bugs Money" (Episode 4.51)
93. ^ Authentic Autographs Unlimited
94. ^ "Pawn Illustrated" (Episode 4.9); "Over the Top" (Episode 4.33); "The King's Bling" (Episode 4.46)
95. ^ Meet the Experts: Sean Rich, History.com, Accessed November 1, 2010.
96. ^ "Pawn Shop Pinot" (Episode 2.9); "Rick's Bad Day" (Episode 2.11); "Pezzed Off" (Episode 2.15); "Guns and Rangers" (Episode 2.17); "Off the Wagon" (Episode 2.21); "Bumpy Ride" (Episode 2.26); "Bow Legged" (Episode 2.28); "Whale of a Time" (Episode 3.3); "Deals from Hell" (Episode 3.6); "Message in a Bottle" (Episode 3.9); "Rough Riders" (Episode 3.10); "Double Trouble" (Episode 3.15); "Hello Nurse" (Episode 3.21); "Gone With the Schwinn" (Episode 3.23); "Luck of the Draw" (Episode 4.3); "Pawn Illustrated" (Episode 4.9); "Chummobile" (Episode 4.16); "Peacemaker" (Episode 4.27); "Sharps Shooters" (Episode 4.29); "Off the Wall" (Episode 4.39); "Cannons and Klingons" (Episode 4.41); "Silent and Deadly" (Episode 4.42); "Weird Science" (Episode 4.43); "The Wright Stuff" (Episode 4.44)
97. ^ Tortuga Trading Inc. accessed July 25, 2011.
98. ^ "Out of Gas" (Episode 4.45); "Pipe Dreams" (Episode 4.47); "Teacher's Pet (Episode 4.50)
99. ^ Burke, Anne. "Las Vegas: The Strip’s only bookstore isn’t quite what you’d expect". Road Journals. June 2, 2011.
100. ^ "Viva Los Vaqueros! February Newsletter". Los Vaqueros Las Vegas, Ltd. February 2010. accessed September 5, 2011.
101. ^ "Peaches & Pinups" (Episode 1.13); "Spooning Paul Revere" (Episode 2.20); "Bow Legged" (Episode 2.28); "Chumdog Millionaire" (Episode 3.22)
102. ^ "Houdini's Handcuffs" (Episode 4.4); "The Great Escape" (Episode 4.28)
103. ^ "Missile Attack" (Episode 4.20); "Broadsiding Lincoln" (Episode 4.29)
104. ^ "Sink or Sell" (Episode 1.3); "Chum Goes AWOL" (Episode 2.13)
105. ^ Killer, Ed. "'Pawn Star' sets up shop in Stuart" TCpalm.com; February 11, 2010, Accessed February 12, 2010
106. ^ ^{a b c d} Fixmer, Andy. "Pawn Stars: Our Most Revealing Reality Show". Bloomberg Businessweek. October 21, 2010
107. ^ ^{a b} Smith, Grady. "'Pawn Stars':" Rick Harrison talks about cable's most unlikely hit!", Entertainment Weekly, June 28, 2010
108. ^ "Pawn Stars circa 2003". YouTube, accessed Sep 19, 2009, July 13, 2011.
109. ^ "Pezzed Off"; Pawn Stars; Episode 2.15; January 25, 2010
110. ^ "Face the Music". Pawn Stars. History. July 25, 2011. No. 39, season 4.
111. ^ "The Wright Stuff". Pawn Stars. History. August 15, 2011. No. 44, season 4.
112. ^ Examples include the chronometer in "Sharks and Cobra" and the barber's chair in "A Shot and a Shave".
113. ^ Seidman, Robert. "'Pawn Stars' Delivers 7 Million Viewers, An All-Time High for History". TV by the Numbers. January 25, 2011
114. ^ ^{a b} Schneider, Michael. "Summer TV Winners and Losers". TV Guide. September 19, 2011. Page 19
115. ^ April MacIntyre "History's Pawn Star$, some thoughts" Monsters and Critics; July 20, 2009
116. ^ Gliatto, Tom; Rizzo, Monica; Durkee, Cutler (14 March 2011). "Picks and Pans Review: 3 Reasons I Love ...". People 75 (10). http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20473093,00.html. Retrieved 20 September 2011. 
117. ^ Nelson, Emily (January 31, 2010). "Local pawn shops see more DVDs than diamonds". The News-Star. http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20100131/LIFESTYLE/1310324. 
118. ^ "Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison Awarded "Pawnbroker of the Year" by the National Pawnbrokers Association" Nc Pawnbrokers; Accessed August 13, 2010
119. ^ "Star Surveillance" Las Vegas Weekly; Accessed August 13, 2010
120. ^ Corey Harrison indicates he manages 30 employees in the second season episode "Backroom Brawl", and later states the shop has 48 employees in the third season episode "Like a Rolling Chum". The June 2010 Entertainment Weekly source also indicates a staff of over 40 employees. According to Austin "Chumlee" Russell, writing in Rick Harrison's 2011 book, License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver, the shop had only ten employees at the time the show began production.
121. ^ "Peacemaker". Pawn Stars. History. 2011-05-9. No. 27, season 4.
122. ^ "Pawn Stars: The Game", AppData, accessed April 27, 2011.
123. ^ Good Morning America: "Rick Harrison: From Pawn Shop to Reality TV Star", June 6, 2011.
124. ^ License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver, Amazon.com, accessed June 15, 2011.
125. ^ Bauder, David. "'Hardcore Pawn' follows in wake of 'Pawn Stars'". MSNBC. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38656683/ns/today-entertainment/t/hardcore-pawn-follows-wake-pawn-stars/. Retrieved 12 November 2011. 

Bibliography

• Harrison, Rick; Tim Keown (2011). License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver. New York City: Hyperion Books. pp. 272. ISBN 1401324304. 

External links

• Official website of Pawn Stars
• Pawn Stars at the Internet Movie Database
• Official website of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop
• Pawn Stars at TV.com