This 1920s Pistol Range Sold For More Than You Might Think On Pawn Stars

When it comes to his business, "Pawn Stars" shop owner Rick Harrison doesn't play games. That is, unless he's buying or selling one. So when a customer brings in a vintage shooting range arcade game in the 2014 episode "Traffic Jammed," Rick's inner child can't resist playing a few rounds. The wizened coin game, known as the Fey Pistol Range, was created by the innovative slot machine company Charles Fey & Co. Furthermore, it isn't exactly fair to players. It costs Rick at least 10 cents for him to fire the coin into one of the three target holes.

Upon his triumphant victory, the sharp-shooter is rewarded with a small chocolate which was, at least according to the seller, most assuredly from this century. According to Rick and the seller, a coin-operated game like this would appear in drug stores and other shops during the early 20th century. Specifically, Rick says it might have been placed on a soda machine, no doubt to be used by sweet-toothed children looking to take a chance on a bargain treat.

More importantly, however, a vintage game like this is a very valuable collectible. It's exactly the kind of rare item that Rick would love to have in his store. By the end of the day, Rick doles out a load of dosh for the piece. Indeed, it probably sold for more than you'd think.

The seller, a currency-passionate trader of rarities named Rob, certainly knows his stuff. At the very least, he did his research before bringing the Fey Pistol Range into the "Pawn Stars" shop. He even manages to teach Rick a thing or two, informing the experienced salesman that Charles Fey was the inventor of the original mechanical slot machine. At any rate, Rob is knowledgeable enough to drive a hard bargain on this one. He starts negotiations at a whopping $7,900.

Thus begins a vicious bout. Rick points out that not every piece of the machine is original. The glass dome that houses the range has likely been replaced. He sets his own offer at $4,500 before the seller coerces him up another $200. Rob then goes on the offensive, asking for $5,500. However, Rick puts his foot down at $5,000, to which Rob reluctantly agrees.

Rob seems satisfied, if not disappointed by his deal. In all likelihood, he claims, he could have gotten more from the machine. He only gave it up because he felt it would take more time to sell than it was worth. Rick, on the other hand, likely stands to make a few grand once he finds a buyer for the item. So though we don't see his reaction, we can probably bet he's smiling.