Pawn Stars: Signed Picasso Book Leaves Rebecca SPEECHLESS (S14, E13) | Full Episode

Pawn Stars
4 Apr 202421:02

TLDRIn this episode of Pawn Stars, Adam brings in a 1934 Picasso illustrated book of the Ancient Greek comedy 'Lysistrata', sparking a debate on its value as a whole versus the worth of its individual etchings. Meanwhile, a rare, fully restored amphibious Jeep, the Ford GPA, is presented, with its unique ability to function both on land and water. The episode also features a collection of 'ThunderCats' toys from the beloved '80s cartoon, highlighting the nostalgia and potential market for pop culture memorabilia.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 Adam brings in a 1934 Picasso illustrated book, 'Lysistrata', with six original etchings.
  • 💰 Adam asks for $5,000 for the Picasso book, considering its rarity and historical significance.
  • 🏛️ The Limited Editions Club published the book, combining famous literature with artwork from renowned artists like Picasso.
  • 📚 'Lysistrata' is an Ancient Greek comedy by Aristophanes, focusing on women withholding sexual privileges to end war.
  • 🖌️ Picasso's etchings in the book are original, done using a copper plate and acid, though they are printed in the book, not the original copper plates.
  • 🚗 Cory owns a rare, restored amphibious Jeep called a Seep, which can function both on land and water.
  • 💸 Cory asks for $240,000 for the Seep, a high price due to its rarity, restoration, and dual functionality as both a car and a boat.
  • 🛠️ The Seep was originally used as a reconnaissance vehicle during World War II and was also used as a radio Jeep due to its 12-volt system.
  • 📈 The value of the Picasso book is debated between keeping it intact or selling the etchings separately, with the book potentially worth more as a historical artifact.
  • 🤝 A deal is eventually made for the Picasso book at $6,000, after Rebecca emphasizes the importance of preserving the book's historical context.
  • 🧸 A collector brings in rare 'ThunderCats' toys from the 1980s, seeking $1,000 for each item, but the actual market value is closer to $1,800 for the pair.

Q & A

  • What is the main item Adam brought to the shop?

    -Adam brought a book with six original Picasso etchings to the shop.

  • What is the significance of the book Adam brought in?

    -The book is a special edition illustrated by Picasso of the Ancient Greek comedy 'Lysistrata' by Aristophanes, published by The Limited Editions Club.

  • What is the historical context of 'Lysistrata'?

    -'Lysistrata' is a play about the ancient wars between Athens and Sparta, where the women of Greece withhold sexual privileges from the men to end the war.

  • How much is Adam asking for the Picasso book?

    -Adam is asking for $5,000 for the book.

  • What is the estimated value of the Picasso etchings according to Chad?

    -Chad estimates that each etching is worth between $1,500 and $2,000, and the book itself could be worth around $10,000.

  • What is the final agreed price for the Picasso book?

    -The final agreed price for the Picasso book is $6,000.

  • What is the rare vehicle that Cory wants to sell?

    -Cory wants to sell an amphibious Jeep called GPA, which can function both as a car and a boat.

  • What is the historical significance of the Ford GPA?

    -The Ford GPA was primarily used as a reconnaissance vehicle during World War II due to its ability to go many places and its 12-volt system making it an ideal radio Jeep.

  • How much does Cory want for the amphibious Jeep?

    -Cory is asking for $240,000 for the amphibious Jeep.

  • What is the expert's opinion on the value of the 'ThunderCats' toys?

    -The expert estimates the Tongue-A-Saurus figure could be worth $700 and the Thundertank Pedal Power Cycle could be worth $1,100.

  • What is the final offer made by Rick for the 'ThunderCats' toys?

    -Rick makes a final offer of $1,100 for the 'ThunderCats' toys.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Picasso's 'Lysistrata' Illustrated Book

Adam brings in a 1934 book with original Picasso etchings from the Ancient Greek comedy 'Lysistrata' by Aristophanes. The book was produced by The Limited Editions Club and features Picasso's illustrations of the famous play. Adam asks for $5,000, and the discussion revolves around the book's value, rarity, and the historical context of Picasso's work. The book is considered one of the most famous illustrated books in America, and the etchings are valued at $2,000 each, with the signature adding another $500. The decision on whether to sell the book as a whole or to cut and sell the etchings separately is discussed, with an art expert suggesting the latter for maximum profit.

05:02

🚗 Rare Ford Seep Amphibious Jeep

Cory, a collector, sells his restored Ford Seep, an amphibious Jeep from WWII, which is incredibly rare and sought after by military collectors. The vehicle has been meticulously restored to factory condition, with 3,000 hours of work put into it. Cory found the Seep in a barn in Wisconsin and has registered it both as a car and a boat. The vehicle is capable of functioning on land and water, and its unique 12-volt system made it an ideal radio Jeep during WWII. The seller asks for $240,000, and after a test run on land and water, an expert appraises the Seep at $225,000, but the seller is firm on his asking price. Despite the high value, the Seep does not sell as the shop owner believes the price is too high.

10:02

📚 Value of Picasso's 'Lysistrata' in Collector's Market

Rick consults with Rebecca, an art expert, to determine the best way to sell the Picasso 'Lysistrata' book. The discussion focuses on the historical significance of the book as a whole versus the potential higher profit from selling the etchings separately. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of preserving the book as a historical artifact and estimates its value at $10,000. The decision is made to sell the book intact for $6,000, recognizing its cultural and artistic value.

15:03

🦁 'ThunderCats' Collectible Toys

A collector brings in two rare 'ThunderCats' toys from the 1980s cartoon series: the Thundertank Pedal Power Cycle and the Tongue-A-Saurus figure. The collector is asking for $1,000 each, making the total asking price $2,000. The shop owner is unsure about the value and calls in a toy expert, Steve, who confirms the rarity and desirability of the items among collectors. Steve appraises the Tongue-A-Saurus at $700 and the Thundertank Cycle at $1,100, suggesting a total value of $1,800 for both. After some negotiation, the shop owner offers $1,100 for both items, which the collector accepts.

20:04

😄 Nostalgia for 'ThunderCats' and Childhood Memories

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as the shop owner teases Corey about his childhood love for 'ThunderCats', even wearing underwear with the cartoon's characters. They reminisce about the popularity of the cartoon and the merchandising craze it sparked among children in the 1980s. The banter is light-hearted and focuses on the personal connection to the 'ThunderCats' toys, with the shop owner playfully questioning Corey's knowledge about the cartoon and joking about his past fandom.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Picasso

Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, and one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. In the video, a book illustrated by Picasso featuring etchings for the play 'Lysistrata' is brought into Rick's shop for sale. Picasso's work is highly valued and recognizable, which significantly influences the item's perceived value. The discussion revolves around whether the etchings within the book, along with Picasso's signature, could be more valuable separately or if the book's historical and artistic integrity should be preserved.

💡Etching

Etching is a printmaking technique used to produce images or text on a metal plate with acid. In the video, it's explained that the book contains original etchings by Picasso, which are considered valuable because they are made directly by the artist's hand. This method's explanation helps to understand the book's potential value and the rarity of these original pieces by Picasso.

💡Limited Editions Club

The Limited Editions Club is mentioned as the publisher of the book containing Picasso's etchings. This company is known for producing high-quality, limited edition books that are often illustrated by renowned artists. The fact that the book is a limited edition increases its rarity and potential value, making it an attractive item for collectors.

💡Lysistrata

Lysistrata is an ancient Greek comedy by Aristophanes, which is the literary work illustrated by Picasso in the book discussed in the video. The play's theme of women withholding sexual privileges from men to end a war is highlighted to give context to Picasso's illustrations. The choice of this particular play adds cultural and historical value to the illustrated book.

💡Art valuation

Art valuation involves determining the market value of works of art and is a crucial theme in the video. Rick seeks expert opinions to understand the book's value, whether to sell it intact or to potentially remove and sell Picasso's etchings separately. The process underscores the complexity of valuing art, especially when historical significance and artist renown are involved.

💡Historical artifact

The term 'historical artifact' is used to emphasize the cultural and historical significance of the Picasso-illustrated book. Experts argue that dismantling the book for its individual etchings would destroy its value as a historical artifact, showcasing the tension between monetary value and preserving history.

💡ThunderCats

ThunderCats refers to a popular 1980s animated television series featuring a group of cat-like humanoid aliens. In the video, memorabilia from this show is presented for sale, illustrating the niche market and collectible nature of items associated with popular culture and childhood nostalgia.

💡Amphibious Jeep

An amphibious Jeep, or 'Seep', is presented as a collectible item for sale. It is a vehicle capable of operating both on land and in water, originally used for military purposes. The video explores its rarity, restoration, and the unique market for such historical and versatile vehicles.

💡Collectibles

Collectibles in the video include not only art books and military vehicles but also toys from the 'ThunderCats' series. This term encompasses a wide range of items valued for their rarity, condition, historical significance, or association with popular culture, highlighting the diverse interests of collectors.

💡Restoration

Restoration is discussed in the context of the amphibious Jeep, which was returned to its factory condition after extensive work. This process highlights the dedication of collectors to preserve or enhance the value of historical items, as well as the impact of condition on an item's market value.

Highlights

Adam brings in not one, but six original Picasso etchings in a book.

The book was published by The Limited Editions Club and is a limited edition.

Picasso's etchings illustrate the Ancient Greek comedy 'Lysistrata' by Aristophanes.

The story of 'Lysistrata' revolves around women withholding sexual privileges to end the war between Athens and Sparta.

The book was found by Adam while estate hunting for treasures.

Picasso's signature on the book's limitation page indicates it is one of 1,500 copies.

Chad, the art expert, estimates the etchings could retail for $1,500 to $2,000 each.

Rebecca values the book as a whole at $10,000 due to its historical significance and condition.

The decision is made to keep the book intact rather than cutting it up and selling the etchings separately.

A 1934 Pablo Picasso illustrated book of 'Lysistrata' is sold to Rick for $6,000.

A seller brings in an amphibious Jeep called a Seep, which can function both on land and water.

The Seep was restored to factory condition with around 3,000 hours of work.

The Seep is a rare World War II-era vehicle used primarily for reconnaissance.

The Seep is registered both as a car and a boat and is legally allowed on roads and water.

Alex, an expert, estimates the Seep could be worth $225,000 due to its functionality and rarity.

The seller's asking price for the Seep is $240,000, which is considered high but not unreasonable for such a rare find.

A 'ThunderCats' collector brings in rare toys from the 1980s cartoon, seeking $1,000 each.

Toy expert Steve estimates the 'ThunderCats' Pedal Cycle is worth $1,100 and the Tongue-A-Saurus figure is worth $700.

Despite the rarity and condition of the 'ThunderCats' toys, Rick is hesitant to meet the seller's asking price of $2,000.