Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pawn Stars’ guest brings a 1920s train set, Corey Harrison spends a small fortune to get it (marketrealist.com)
A Century of Charm: ‘Pawn Stars’ Corey Harrison Acquires Rare 1923 Lionel Train Set
Las Vegas, NV – Fans of the popular reality television series “Pawn Stars” recently witnessed a fascinating negotiation unfold when Corey Harrison, one of the show’s resident experts, invested in a remarkably preserved piece of history: a 1923 Lionel train set. Despite the owner’s initial asking price, Harrison ultimately secured the impressive century-old toy for $1,000.
The guest, hoping to sell the vintage item, presented a Lionel train set described as being from 1923, making it over a hundred years old. Its condition was reportedly excellent, with the guest noting that the coaches were only missing a single seat.
At a time when electricity was not widespread across the country, such an intricate, powered toy would have been considered quite futuristic. The seller initially sought $1,100 for the antique, but Harrison, cautious about its precise market value, opted to bring in an expert.
Before the specialist arrived, the pawn shop’s own Chumlee, alongside the guest, embarked on the task of setting up the elaborate train tracks and lighting in a back room. The anticipation of seeing a fully operational, 100-year-old Lionel train come to life was palpable.
When the expert finally surveyed the setup, his reaction was immediate and enthusiastic. “Oh my gosh.
That’s fantastic,” he exclaimed, pointing out the working headlamps, brass embellishments, and all-steel construction. He particularly noted the rarity of finding a set with two working engines, as often “the wheels always break off,” emphasizing that collectors highly value items that are “100% original.”
Connected to a small transformer, the guest activated the train, which smoothly departed its station without a hitch. It moved at an impressive speed for a toy of its age, demonstrating its enduring quality.
The expert noted that while the train showed some expected wear, this was a testament to it being “played with, loved, and appreciated for many years.” He estimated the set’s value to be between $1,200 and $1,400 in the collector’s market.
Armed with this appraisal, Harrison and the guest entered into negotiations. While the guest felt the expert’s valuation was a bit conservative, Harrison initially offered $800, which was deemed too low. After some back-and-forth, both parties agreed on a final price of $1,000, securing the remarkable Lionel train set for the “Pawn Stars” collection.