Pawn shops are more than power tools and musical instruments — they are also home to works of art of all types, from porcelain figurines to fine paintings. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about pawning, buying, and selling paintings and other artworks in your local pawn shop.
Pawning and Selling Paintings and Other Artworks
If you own a valuable work or fine art, or a collectible item such as a sculpture or figurine, then pawning is always an option when you need to get cash fast.
The huge benefit of pawning a work of art is that you can always get it back as long as you repay your pawn loan within the agreed period of time (and even if you can’t, at AJ’s Super Pawn, we offer extensions in some cases. Click here to learn more about extensions)
Being able to get your work of art back is extremely important, because owners tend to develop a special relationship with their works of art.
In fact, it’s not uncommon for people to pawn items that have been in their family for generations, so it’s pretty convenient for them to have a way to turn their possessions into cash without having to give up ownership.
On the other hand, if you are willing to sell your painting or work of art, you might be able to get more money for it. However, in that case you must be aware that you are parting ways with your item.
Some Tips to Keep in Mind
When it comes to pawning or selling fine art, one of the most important concepts is that of provenance.
Simply put, provenance is the ownership history of an object or artwork. A solid provenance bolsters the authenticity of a work of art and increases its value.
For example, imagine that one of your relatives bought an original painting a couple of decades ago. That relative gave you the painting as a gift, and now you want to pawn it or sell it. In that case, the value of the painting increases if you can prove its provenance with documents (for example, with a receipt that proves that your relative bought the painting from an accredited gallery).
However, provenance only applies to fine art. If you are pawning another type of artwork, make sure to bring with you all the certificates or statements of authenticity that came with the item.
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Sometimes people own an entire collection of artworks. If that’s your case, keep in mind that while your local pawn shop will probably be happy to take a look at your collection, they may decide that they are able to offer you money only for a few items.
As with any other type of object, a pawn shop looks at works of art through the lens of supply and demand. Even if you consider that an artwork is extremely valuable, a pawn shop may see things differently.
Also, remember that the internet is your friend. A quick Google search is usually all it takes to help you get a sense of the amount of money you may expect to get for your works of art.
To summarize, here are some of the things you need to do if you want to pawn a work of art:
- In the case of fine art, get any documents that may help you establish provenance.
- Bring with you to the pawnshop any certificates or documents related to the work of art you want to pawn.
- Have realistic expectations.
- Use the internet to research the prices being paid for pieces similar to yours.
Buying Paintings and Other Artworks From a Pawn Shop
If you love art, a pawn shop is a great place to find deals on pieces that will liven up your home or enrich your collection at a fraction of what you would normally pay for a similar work of art.
No matter where you live, you can rest assured that new items arrive all the time to your local pawn shop, so make it a point to stop by regularly. This way you’ll catch the best stuff before it flies off the shelves.
People pawn and sell all kinds of items, so you’ll never know what you are going to find. Some artworks or artistic objects you can usually find at a pawn shop include:
- Different types of paintings (oil, watercolors, pastels, etc.)
- Sculptures
- Lithographies
- Fine art photography
- Porcelain figurines
- Ceramics
- Antique or collectible books
- And more
Lovers of art know that every work of art has its own history and character. A pawn shop is the ideal place to find pieces that have that lived-in look that highlights the uniqueness of art and adds a touch of sophistication to your home.
Here are some tips to consider when you buy works of art at a pawn shop:
- Inquire about provenance or certificates of authenticity. As we explained in the section about pawning and selling works of art, provenance and certificates of authenticity are some of the first things you want to inquire about when purchasing fine art.
- Inspect the piece carefully. Even if you fall head over heels in love with a work of art you found at a pawn shop, it’s important to take your time and inspect the piece carefully. Are you OK with the current state of the piece? Does the piece look as old as its provenance claims?
- Remember hidden costs. Your main goal when considering a purchase of art is to limit the potential of experiencing buyer’s remorse later on. That’s why you have to see the purchase from every angle, including hidden cost. Are you going to have to restore or reframe a painting? If you are interested in a heavy sculpture, are you ready to deal with the shipping costs?
All this is great advice. But as is always the case with art, everything comes down to personal taste. If you find a piece that you really love at your local pawn shop, go ahead and purchase it if you are OK with its general state and the costs associated with it. The pleasure you will derive from it is well worth it.
Looking to Pawn Paintings or Works of Art in Southern California? AJ’s Super Pawn Can Help!
If you are looking for a dependable, trustworthy pawn shop in Southern California, look no further than AJ’s Super Pawn.
We have locations in Pomona and Chino California. Give us a call today (Pomona: (909) 622-0334 , Chino: (909) 465 5456) or fill out the contact form to get in touch with our team.