Last night I fell asleep watching "Pawn Stars" on the History Channel. In the interest of honesty it should be noted that "Pawn Stars" is one of my least favorite reality-based television shows on the antiques and collectibles trade. A lot of the interactions and antics feel somewhat scripted and corny, and if it wasn't for the plethora of unique and interesting items that are showcased each and every week I wouldn't even watch. Based solely on the show I have very little desire to meet the "Pawn Stars" in person. There are far more interesting collectors and enthusiasts operating within the trade that I would much rather spend time with. In the interest of full disclosure it is worth mentioning that my top two picks would be Harry Rinker and Terry Kovel. That being said I still cannot stop watching "Pawn Stars," and after discussing this issue with many other collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts, most agree with my sentiments in some manner or another.
This article is the fourth and final entry in my series of articles regarding reality television and its impact on the antiques and collectibles trade. In my last three articles I discussed various reality-based television shows devoted to the trade and their direct impact. This entry will look at how that impact has been felt and what other enthusiasts think about it. There is no denying the fact that the average person is no longer in the dark about the possible monetary value of antiques and collectibles. Whether positive or negative the first effect all these shows had involved relaying the notion that most antiques and collectibles have some value and are highly desirable. Some niche markets have felt this impact more than others. For instance "Pawn Stars" has really helped bring a lot of esoteric items into the spotlight. This show alone helped catapult fringe collectibles like the much sought after Nintendo World Championship limited edition game cartridges and the ill-conceived Nintendo Virtual Boy system into the spotlight. To this day the value of these objects continues to rise, with many new collectors stating that they saw them on "Pawn Stars." With increasing prices and mass hysteria, longtime collectors simply shake their heads as bids continue to rise on Internet auction sites like eBay. Even longtime collectors like me have to ask the question if one should sell now that speculation has taken hold. One must ask where these same collectors were when that gold Nintendo World Championship game cartridge that is now valued at $25,000 easily sold for $5,000 or less.
Much like the way "Toy Hunter" helped breathe new life into vintage toys from the 1980s, speculation has gripped the vintage advertising market, thanks in part to the infamous "American Pickers." It should be noted that most longtime collectors and enthusiasts like me have a love and hate relationship with most of these shows. On one hand it is good that so many new collectors (and even speculators) are coming into the trade. This goes to show older generations that their prized possessions will live on in some form even after they are long gone. Personally, it is good to know that I am no longer that sole "young guy with an iPad" who likes antiques. Many more people my own age are beginning to realize just how cool antiques can be. In this aspect reality television has succeeded by leaps and bounds. Unfortunately, this has also brought with it high prices, a new generation of unknowledgeable collectors, and yet even more speculation. Most collectors under the age of 40 personally view the antiques and collectibles trade as a safe alternative to Wall Street. Assuming these new collectors actually know what they are doing this can be true, but does getting your knowledge directly from the boob tube translate to successful buying? If anything at all, shouldn't it lead to even more learning?
When "Storage Wars" premiered in 2010 a lot of viewers were amazed at what one can find in a delinquent storage unit. And ever since that time both "picking" and "treasure hunting" have entered the lexicon of millions of viewers who regularly watch these kinds of shows, with reports of increased traffic at flea markets and yard sales. Long disregarded items like vinyl records, post-1980 comic books, classic video games, and esoteric toys are now all the rage, with most flea market sellers reporting early morning sell-outs on most reasonably priced items. Speculation has taken hold of most pop-culture-based collectibles, with vintage comic books and toys leading the way. Never before have so many high school and college age kids considered auctioneering as a major while seriously moonlighting as a part time picker. I personally got my proverbial start in the trade at the age of 16 after passing my driver's exam on the second try. Speculation aside, reality television has really caused an uptick in interest in the greater antiques and collectibles marketplace.
Ironically, there has been one unsettling fact about the kinds of reality television shows that have become successful. After the unfortunate demise of "Market Warriors" and the fact that the underrated show aptly named "Million Dollar Auctions" hasn’t even come to United States as of yet outside of the Internet, one can possibly surmise that the more the show is grounded in reality the less successful it will possibly be. Both "Market Warriors" and "Million Dollar Auctions" rightfully deserve second seasons and regular watching by collectors and enthusiasts. "Antiques Roadshow" is the only show to thus far defy this notion, as it is very much grounded in reality. It should come as no surprise that most of the popular reality shows are scripted in some manner, and this can be validated by the fact that no one ever says to the "American Pickers" that they saw them on television. Does anyone really think that their so called freestyle adventures are all that free and full of style? I am sure “scripting” is quite possible, just as I am sure that most of these shows have an ample amount of editing in which a lot of the story is still left on the cutting room floo,r much to the dismay of purists like myself.
Still the future is bright for most of these shows. Much like the whole reality-based genre that started with "The Real World" and "Survivor," reality-based television in the antiques and collectibles trade isn't going anywhere anytime soon as long as enthusiasts continue to watch and so called treasure hunters still dream.