Rick Harrison is intrigued by the bizarre lock on the rifle, but because it's in such bad condition, he's not willing to pay the $1,000 that the seller wants for it. So, he counters with $500, and the seller sticks out his hand and says, "Deal." Usually there's more back-and-forth than this, and it's a bit curious that the seller doesn't try to counter with $700 or something like that. But the seller soon reveals why he happily took the $500: In the post-deal interview, he laughs, "I did good. I paid $50 for the gun."
After his own research on the rifle proves unfruitful, Rick calls in antique guns expert Jemison Beshears to assess the firearm. Jemison identifies the rifle as a snaphance gun, made in Spain in the early 1500s. Although arms technology had advanced by the late 1600s, snaphance guns continued to be used in North Africa — where Europeans traded them for spices and other goods — until the 1900s. Jemison identifies the rifle's strange lock as a flintlock, although one that is more likely to misfire because of its primitive model. Finally, Jemison determines the gun's value, estimating it to be worth $400 to $500, as antique weapons collectors would find its condition unappealing.
Rather than take a loss on the gun, Rick opts to hang it in his office, but there's no hiding why he decides not to sell, and Corey revels in his father's defeat. But everybody in the shop knows this kind of thing happens from time to time. While Chumlee may hold the title for Gold & Silver Pawn's Most Duped Pawnbroker, they've all been ripped off (particularly with fake Rolexes and imitation diamonds) — even the Old Man. For all Corey knows, he'll be the next one to lose big on a risky purchase.
