We've always found unique items, and it wasn't a shock when famous pickers from the industry got in touch with us. We sell things on eBay and Etsy, thanks to our hobby of collecting.
Once, I found an old fog horn from the Straits Steamship Company, which started in 1894, at a garage sale. This company used to run steamships between Seattle and Neah Bay, but there wasn't much information about it. I put the fog horn up for sale on Etsy, and a TV network from New York City contacted me. They wanted the fog horn for the show "Pawn Stars." After some discussions and calls, I sent the fog horn to Las Vegas.
The team set up a video call with Cory Harrison Rick Harrison's son during the pandemic, as everything was remote. I was hoping to have Rick negotiate with me as I respect what him and his father have created in the pawn industry in Las Vegas.
On the call, Cory's team helped him with information about the fog horn to discuss its value and negotiate the price with me. The call lasted about 25 minutes but didn't air on TV. Nonetheless, it was an exciting experience.
We've welcomed many pickers to our farm from the US and Canada, who have bought items to resell.
In the end, Cory and I negotiated the price: I wanted $500, he offered $400, and we agreed on $450, plus they covered the shipping costs. I ended up making more than the asking price on Etsy and got a great story to share with my daughters and customers.
That's cool. I watch some of the antiques shows on TV and all sorts of odd stuff comes up. You just have to find someone who wants to buy it.
Yes it was a different experience. I really don’t think they will ever resell it in Las Vegas lol, even Cory said it’s not a market area they are familiar with, but the show must go on!
It's a bit of a specialist item, but if someone is doing a nautical themed house they may want it.
True enough 😊