Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pawn Stars’ boss Rick Harrison was ready to pay $45,000 for a guitar — but it still wasn’t enough (marketrealist.com)
“Pawn Stars” Rick Harrison Encounters a Priceless Piece of Hollywood History
Rick Harrison, the shrewd negotiator of “Pawn Stars,” is known for his lowball offers. But even he’s willing to dig deep for rare finds, especially vintage guitars. A recent episode featured a unique Gibson guitar with a fascinating Hollywood connection, leaving Harrison reaching for his wallet, but ultimately falling short.
Paul Schwiegeraht walked into the shop with his mother’s custom-made vintage Gibson, a family heirloom with ties to “The Little Rascals.” Schwiegeraht explained that his mother, Peggy Eames, was a child actress in the “Our Gang” comedies, the precursor to “The Little Rascals.”
He even produced a poster of “Seeing the World,” one of his mother’s silent films. The guitar, a Gibson Super Jumbo, was custom-made for Eames when she transitioned from film to stage performances.
Harrison, a self-proclaimed history buff, recognized the significance of the “Our Gang” series and was intrigued by the guitar’s provenance. Schwiegeraht shared photos of his mother with the instrument, explaining that it was likely one of the first Super Jumbos ever made. He valued the guitar at $75,000.
With such a hefty price tag, Harrison called in his guitar expert, Jesse Amoroso. Amoroso quickly confirmed the guitar’s authenticity as a 1938 Gibson Super Jumbo, noting the distinctive “D” marking used only that year. While he acknowledged the guitar’s rarity and custom features, he appraised it at $40,000.
Harrison, eager to acquire the piece, offered $45,000, exceeding the expert’s appraisal. Schwiegeraht, however, held firm on his $75,000 asking price, hoping to use the money as a down payment on a family getaway cabin to be named “Peggy’s Cabin.” Even Harrison’s counteroffer of $47,000 couldn’t seal the deal.
Ultimately, Schwiegeraht decided to keep the guitar, prioritizing its sentimental value over monetary gain. He felt the instrument represented more than just money; it was a tangible piece of his family history.
He envisioned the guitar eventually residing in “Peggy’s Cabin,” serving as a tribute to his mother’s legacy. While Harrison lost out on a unique piece of Hollywood history, the episode highlighted the emotional connection people have with their heirlooms, sometimes making them truly priceless.