The 10 most unusual pawn items to loan against

What are the Most Unusual Items to Pawn for Cash?

Our valuation experts consider themselves very lucky. Not only do they get to handle and value some of the most stunning pieces of jewellery ever produced and inspect some very rare watches, but they also come across some very interesting items that are very unusual indeed.

We’ve created a top 10 list of the most unusual items pawned so that you can see just how many different types of pawn loan collateral we work with. It’s also really helpful information for those who may be wondering if they can pawn musical instruments or pawn that comic they’ve been holding on to. From what to do with an Apple watch at a pawn shop to the answer to the question ‘Do pawn shops buy Pokémon cards?’, let’s explore the really unusual and interesting items that have been used as pawn pledges.

1. Sports Memorabilia

There has always been a keen interest in sports memorabilia as there are such strong emotional ties to teams and victories. Premier League winner’s medals, signed football shirts worn by superstars, and even FA Cup final winning football shorts all hold value and could secure a loan worth thousands of pounds.

2. Musical Instruments

It might be expected that pawnshops will loan against piano – like early Steinway pianos- because they’re large and expensive, but for those asking how much guitars are at pawn shops, you may be surprised to know that both Jimi Hendrix and Les Paul Gibson are guitar pawn items. The Fender brand also performs well in pawn shop valuations.

3. Fine Wine Collections

High-end pawn shops that know their vintages, including Suttons and Robertsons, value fine wines on occasion. While we do handle requests to pawn fine wine, the standout vineyard for stunning valuations is Chateau Petrus, in France’s Bordeaux region.

4. Random Collectibles

An Amazing Spiderman comic can secure a loan of thousands of pounds. And yes, Pokémon cards, such as the Original Charizard Pokémon Cards, can be valued and used as loan security for a short-term loan with some pawnbrokers.

5. Rare Jewellery

Increasing gold prices and valuations of jewellery pieces like the iconic Cartier De Panthere necklaces can secure high-value loans. An increased appetite for Van Cleef and Arpels has led to a waiting list which has pushed up valuations. While we may not see a Panthere piece every day, it is wonderful when we get to value one of the very rare and valuable Fabergé Eggs. Jewellery is one of the most common items to pawn for loan security whether a diamond ring, a Tiffany necklace or one of these rare unique pieces.

6. Movie Props

Like sporting goods, props from blockbuster movies can secure high-value loans. Anduril, one of the most mythical of swords from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, was wielded by Aragorn (played by Viggo Mortensen) in the Lord of the Rings movies. At auction, it fetched over $400,000.

7. Vintage Watches

When a Patek Philippe watch gets a million pounds, it’s easy to see how a watch belonging to a famous person – like the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona – can break all auction records and secure millions of pounds. As well as jewellery, watches are one of the most pawned items used to secure funds. We receive a wide range of watches from classic and sports watches from brands including Tudor & TAG Heuer to rare Rolex and Patek Philippe watches.

8. Religious Artifacts or Texts

Art lending is on the rise as it can bridge the gap between the pawn loan and the auction date. Religious artefacts and texts – such as the Quran- are often valued as highly for their artwork as for their spiritual significance.

9. Electronic Collectibles

While electronics are quickly replaced by the next model, there is a growing call for the original iPod or iPhone as it represents a moment in time when technology changed the world for everyone.

10. Handbags

Handbags as investments are becoming highly popular with many people looking to buy second hand designer handbags to use as a long term investment. Luxury designer handbags, like the Hermes Birkin, are hard to find with many having to buy other bags by the designer in order to secure their place on the waiting list for the most coveted options. Pawning these handbags can release thousands, with a Hermes Birkin able to secure a pawn loan of up to hundreds of thousands of pounds. Alternatively, if you no longer want your handbag or would like to part-exchange for a different luxury bag, you can sell designer handbags with us.

Unlock funds instantly by leveraging the value of your luxury items. For a quick valuation, contact us to see if your high-value item meets our lending criteria.

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