Ep 3. Shoeshine Mike

In season 1 episode 3 of Cajun Pawn Stars, the spotlight is on Shoeshine Mike. The episode begins with a customer coming into the shop looking to sell a vintage shoeshine stand that he believes was once owned by a famous New Orleans shoeshiner, Shoeshine Mike. The Pawn Stars team is intrigued and immediately begins to investigate the authenticity of the stand and its ties to Shoeshine Mike.

As they research the history of Shoeshine Mike, they discover that he was a beloved figure in New Orleans and had a loyal following of customers who would visit him regularly to get their shoes shined. The team also learns that Shoeshine Mike had passed away several years ago and that his shoeshine stand had been donated to a local museum.

But despite this, the customer insists that the stand he has is the original one used by Shoeshine Mike and that it is worth a significant amount of money. He even claims to have a certificate of authenticity signed by a member of Shoeshine Mike's family.

The Pawn Stars team is skeptical but decides to take a closer look at the stand and the certificate. They bring in an expert to help them determine the authenticity of both items and to give them an idea of what the stand might be worth.

After examining the stand and the certificate thoroughly, the expert concludes that the stand is indeed an original Shoeshine Mike stand and that the certificate is legitimate. He also gives the team an estimate of the stand's value, which is much higher than they had originally anticipated.

With this information in hand, the Pawn Stars team decides to make an offer to the customer for the stand. They negotiate back and forth until they finally come to an agreement, and the customer leaves the shop with a hefty sum of cash in his pocket.

But the episode doesn't end there. The team decides to take the stand out onto the streets of New Orleans and set up shop just like Shoeshine Mike used to do. They shine shoes and chat with customers, all while trying to get a sense of what it was like to be in the shoes of the famous New Orleans shoeshiner.

As they work, they reflect on the legacy of Shoeshine Mike and the impact he had on the city of New Orleans. They also realize that the stand they just purchased is more than just a piece of vintage equipment, but rather a piece of New Orleans history.

Overall, season 1 episode 3 of Cajun Pawn Stars is a fascinating look at the world of vintage memorabilia and the importance of preserving history. With its mix of intrigue, negotiation, and reflection, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, antiques, and the unique culture of New Orleans.