Pawn Stars: $40,000 18th Century Hochkiss Cannon (S1)
Pawn Stars: $40,000 18th Century Hochkiss Cannon (S1)
One of the most explosive moments from early Pawn Stars came when a seller rolled an antique cannon into the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. The massive historical weapon, described on the show as an 18th-century Hotchkiss cannon, immediately caught the attention of Rick Harrison and the team.
With a price tag hovering around $40,000, the cannon became one of the most memorable military relics featured during the show’s early seasons.
A Rare Piece of Military History
Cannons are among the most iconic weapons in military history. For centuries, they dominated battlefields, fortresses, and naval warfare.
The cannon brought into the shop featured:
- Heavy iron construction
- Large wooden carriage wheels
- Historic artillery craftsmanship
- Signs of authentic aging and wear
Military antiques of this scale are rare because:
- Many were destroyed or melted down over time
- Surviving examples are often held by museums or private collectors
- Restoration and preservation can be extremely difficult
The sheer size of the cannon alone made it an unforgettable sight inside the pawn shop.
Rick Harrison Calls in an Expert
As always on Pawn Stars, Rick Harrison wanted to verify whether the cannon was authentic before discussing serious money.
An expert was brought in to evaluate:
- The cannon’s age
- Manufacturing style
- Historical accuracy
- Potential market value
The specialist examined markings, metalwork, and design features to determine whether the artillery piece truly dated back centuries—or if it was a later reproduction.
The authentication process became one of the most fascinating parts of the segment.
The $40,000 Question
Once the cannon’s historical significance was discussed, attention shifted to the real drama: the negotiation.
The seller hoped to receive around $40,000, believing the cannon’s rarity justified the high asking price.
However, Rick faced several concerns:
- The niche collector market for artillery
- Transportation and storage challenges
- Restoration costs
- Difficulty reselling such a massive item
As viewers know, large historical artifacts can be valuable—but finding the right buyer is never guaranteed.
Why Military Relics Fascinate Collectors
Military antiques remain one of the most popular categories on Pawn Stars because they provide a tangible connection to history.
Collectors are drawn to:
- Battlefield stories
- Engineering craftsmanship
- Historical significance
- Rarity and preservation
Artifacts like antique cannons represent entire eras of warfare and technological development.
For history enthusiasts, owning such an object is like owning a physical piece of the past.
Was It Really an 18th-Century Hotchkiss Cannon?
One interesting detail often discussed by fans is the terminology surrounding the cannon itself.
The name “Hotchkiss” is more commonly associated with later artillery designs connected to the 19th century rather than the 1700s. This has led some viewers and military-history enthusiasts to debate:
- Whether the cannon was correctly identified
- Whether it may have been a later model
- Or whether the label used on television simplified the item’s history
This kind of historical debate is common among collectors and adds another layer of intrigue to the segment.
Early Pawn Stars at Its Best
Moments like the cannon appraisal helped define the success of early Pawn Stars.
The show stood out because viewers never knew what might appear next:
- Rare weapons
- Historical documents
- Celebrity memorabilia
- Massive artifacts like cannons
The combination of history, expert analysis, and negotiation turned ordinary transactions into compelling television.
Conclusion
The $40,000 cannon featured in Season 1 of Pawn Stars remains one of the show’s most memorable military artifacts.
Whether remembered for its enormous size, historical mystery, or intense negotiation, the antique artillery piece perfectly captured what makes Pawn Stars so entertaining: unexpected treasures, fascinating history, and the thrill of discovering what something might truly be worth.
And in true Pawn Stars fashion, the biggest question wasn’t just whether the cannon was authentic—it was whether Rick Harrison could make a deal.
