Ep 29. Fake or Fortune

In Pawn Stars Season 11 Episode 29, titled "Fake or Fortune," the crew at the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas continues to search for rare and valuable items to add to their collection. Throughout the episode, the team is presented with various pieces that they must determine the authenticity of before making a purchase.

One of the first items brought in is a vintage Coca-Cola vending machine from the 1950s. As the shop's resident expert on Coca-Cola memorabilia, Rick Harrison is immediately interested in the machine and begins to examine it closely. He looks at the condition of the machine, the signage, and the serial number, all of which can help to determine its value. Ultimately, Rick must decide if the machine is worth the asking price, and if it is a genuine vintage item or a replica.

Next up is a 1920s Gibson mandolin, which is presented to the team by a local musician. Though the instrument has clearly been well-taken care of, there are several small details that require examination to verify its authenticity, such as the material used for the fretboard and the engraving on the tuning keys. The team must also determine if the mandolin is in playable condition, as this can impact its value significantly.

Later in the episode, the crew is presented with an unusual item: a set of antique brass postal scales. Though small and seemingly insignificant, these scales could be worth much more than meets the eye. As Rick and his team examine the scales and weigh different objects on them, they must determine if the scales are in working order and if they are truly antique. With the help of an appraiser, they eventually arrive at a value for the item and decide if they are willing to make an offer.

Throughout the episode, the team also deals with a number of other items, including a limited-edition Rolling Stones lithograph, a rare 1913 Liberty Nickel, and a vintage Chicago Cubs pennant. As they examine each item and assess its value, they must be careful to avoid fakes and forgeries, which are an all-too-common problem in the world of collectibles.

As the episode draws to a close, the team looks back on their successes and failures and reflects on the importance of being able to distinguish between real and fake items. They also discuss some of the challenges that collectors face in the modern age, such as the prevalence of counterfeit goods and the difficulty of finding rare items in a world where everything is becoming more accessible and widespread.

Overall, "Fake or Fortune" is a thrilling and educational episode of Pawn Stars that will appeal to anyone interested in the world of collectibles. With its mix of historical, cultural, and personal stories, it offers a unique perspective on the value of objects and the ways in which we assign meaning to them. At its core, it's a celebration of the joy of discovery and the thrill of the hunt, as the team at the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop continues to search for hidden treasures and unexpected gems.