Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pawn Stars’ guest says he ‘almost fainted’ after hearing the value of his vintage handcuffs (marketrealist.com)
A recent episode of “Pawn Stars” featured a surprising valuation for a seemingly ordinary pair of vintage handcuffs. While Rick Harrison is known for his sharp eye for value, even he was taken aback by these 1925 restraints. The current owner, who had purchased the cuffs as a gag gift for $100, had no idea of their potential worth.
Harrison, intrigued by the unusual design, called in an expert on restraining devices. The expert, a locksmith named Mark, immediately recognized the cuffs as rare “McKenzie Mitts.”
He explained their historical significance, noting their impractical design flaws which led to their discontinuation. The cuffs required the wearer’s cooperation to be applied, were made of solid steel making them potential weapons, and rendered the wearer completely helpless, creating a sanitation challenge for guards.
Upon learning the owner’s initial investment, Mark was impressed. He estimated the cuffs could fetch between $3,500 and $4,000 at auction. The owner, understandably shocked, admitted to nearly fainting upon hearing the valuation.
Negotiations ensued, with the owner initially asking $3,500, then lowering to $2,500. Harrison countered with $1,600, eventually settling at $2,000. The shop now owns a unique, if somewhat disturbing, piece of history.