Ep 5. Gangsters & Guitars

In Pawn Stars season 1 episode 5, titled "Gangsters & Guitars," the focus is on some unique historical items that have come into the pawn shop. The episode starts with Rick, the owner of the store, examining a Gibson guitar that was supposedly owned by the notorious gangster Al Capone. The seller, who claims he got the guitar from his grandfather, is looking for a hefty sum of money, and Rick is skeptical about the authenticity of the item.

Along with the guitar, a few items related to the gangster era have come into the store. Rick's father, Richard, who is an expert in this field, examines a document that claims to be an original contract signed by Al Capone for a shipment of illegal alcohol. Richard believes that the signature is real and the document may hold a significant value in the black market.

Another interesting item that comes into the store is a vintage cigarette vending machine. The seller claims that the machine belonged to his grandfather, who had owned a bar during the Prohibition era. Rick is impressed by the condition of the machine, but he is uncertain about the value of the item and calls in an expert to appraise it.

The episode also showcases some unique collectibles related to music. A seller comes in with a trumpet that belonged to the legendary musician Louis Armstrong. Rick and Chumlee, his employee, are excited to examine the instrument, which is in excellent condition. They call in the store's musical expert, who appraises the trumpet, and Rick is delighted to make an offer to the seller.

Apart from the trumpet, a unique piece of music memorabilia comes into the store, a mandolin that was signed by the famous guitarist Les Paul. The seller wants to make a trade for the mandolin, and Rick has to decide whether the item is worth the trade.

Overall, the episode is exciting, with unique and intriguing items that hold historical significance. The interaction between the family members and the experts is fascinating, and the audience gets an insight into how pawn shops operate. The episode has a perfect balance between the historical significance of the items and the entertainment value of the show. Viewers who are interested in collectibles and antiques would thoroughly enjoy this episode.