Pawn Stars: AUTHENTIC James Madison & Thomas Jefferson Signatures (Season 3)

Summary

A man brings an antique ship document, possibly signed by U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, to a pawn shop. The document, dated February 12, 1851, is a ship's passport meant to protect U.S. vessels from foreign interference. The expert confirms the signatures' authenticity and estimates its value at $6,000 due to its historical significance. After negotiations, the man sells the document for $3,000, and the shop owner is thrilled to add such a rare piece to his collection.

Takeaways

• 📜 The document is an antique ship's document, possibly of historical significance.
• 🏴‍☠️ There is a humorous mention of a pirate ship, but the document is not related to piracy.
• 👴 The document was inherited from the owner's grandfather and has been in the family for a long time.
• 🤔 The owner is unsure of the document's value and seeks to find out its worth.
• 📅 The document is dated the 12th of February, 1851, indicating its age.
• 🇺🇸 It serves as proof that the ship named Madison was under the protection of the United States.
• 🛳️ The document discusses the protection of ships, passengers, goods, and merchandise from seizure.
• 🔍 The War of 1812 is mentioned as a context for the document, highlighting the historical period of its creation.
• 🖋️ The document bears what appears to be the signatures of two U.S. Presidents, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
• 🔍 The authenticity of the signatures needs to be verified, as they could significantly impact the document's value.
• 💰 An expert evaluation is suggested to determine the true value of the document, given its historical and potential monetary significance.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the document presented in the script?

The document is an antique ship's document, which serves as a form of protection for a United States ship during a time when the U.S. had a small navy and could not effectively protect its vessels.

Why did the English not recognize these ship documents?

The English did not recognize these documents because they would stop American ships on the high seas, board them, and forcibly take the sailors to serve in the British Navy, a practice known as 'pressing.'

What is the significance of the signatures on the document?

The document is signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, who were both U.S. Presidents, which adds historical and potential monetary value to the document.

What was the condition of life on a British naval ship in the early 1800s?

Life on a British naval ship was miserable, with sailors being paid half of what they would earn on a merchant ship and often being forced into service.

What is the estimated value of the document according to the expert?

The expert estimates the document to be worth around $6,000 in today's market, considering its historical significance and the authenticity of the signatures.

What is a 'ship's passport' and why was it important?

A ship's passport was a document that identified a ship and declared it under the protection of its country. It was important because it was meant to prevent interference or seizure by foreign powers.

What is the significance of the USS Constitution style warship mentioned in the script?

The mention of the USS Constitution style warship indicates the historical context and the design of the ship that the document pertains to, adding to the document's historical value.

What material is the document made of and why does the ink fade quickly on it?

The document is made of vellum, a material similar to sheepskin, which does not absorb ink well, causing the ink to fade quickly over time.

What is the name of the ship mentioned in the document?

The ship mentioned in the document is named 'Madison.'

What was the final offer made by the pawn shop owner for the document?

The final offer made by the pawn shop owner for the document was $3,000.

Why did the seller decide to accept the offer of $3,000?

The seller decided to accept the offer because the pawn shop owner explained that it was a fair deal and that it was in cash, which might be difficult to obtain elsewhere.