From Queen Victoria’s Underwear to Submarines: The Jaw-Dropping Treasures Pawned by a TV Star
James Constantinou, the founder of Prestige Pawnbrokers and a familiar face from Channel 4’s hit series Posh Pawn, has lifted the lid on some of the most extraordinary items that have passed through his doors. The show, which first aired in 2014 and spawned four successful series, offered viewers a glimpse into the high-stakes world of luxury pawnbroking, following James and his team as they dealt with an array of opulent assets.
Constantinou, an entrepreneur and property developer, revealed in an exclusive interview that his pawnshop has been a repository for some truly astonishing items, ranging from musical memorabilia to historical artefacts and even military hardware.
A Collection of Unforgettable Assets
Over the years, James has encountered a bewildering variety of valuables. He shared some of the most memorable with the Daily Mail:
Musical Instruments with Rock ‘n’ Roll Provenance: The pawnshop has handled instruments that once belonged to legendary musicians. This includes items played by members of The Rolling Stones and The Who, encompassing guitars, drum kits, and various other musical paraphernalia.
The World’s Largest Pearl: A particularly striking item was the presentation of what is claimed to be the world’s largest pearl, a testament to the sheer scale of some of the treasures brought to Prestige Pawnbrokers.
Royal Underwear and Military Might: In a more surprising turn, James revealed that Queen Victoria’s monogrammed underwear was among the items sent to auction. The collection of unusual assets also extends to more formidable items, including Nigerian fighter jets and even submarines, highlighting the diverse and often unexpected nature of the pawnbroking business. “So, yeah, that’s been quite a roller coaster ride, in respect of some of the assets that we’ve seen,” James commented.
The Genesis of Posh Pawn
The journey to television stardom for James and his business began with a simple phone call. A researcher from Channel 4 contacted him, inquiring about his interest in a programme focused on asset lending and alternative borrowing. Initially hesitant, James eventually agreed to let the cameras in, a decision that would prove to be a game-changer.
He recalled the researcher’s enthusiastic assessment to someone at Channel 4: “He went out with his notepad, and we listened to the door, and he was going, ‘I think I’ve struck gold here. I’ve got a cross between Antiques Roadshow, Only Fools and Horses and Lovejoy.’”
Following this initial interest, a crew was dispatched to James’s shop to capture footage for a pilot. James immediately recognised the potential of the concept. “I instantly knew that if this ever got aired on TV, it would be for me and our business. It would be absolutely phenomenal,” he stated. He also believed the show would be beneficial for the pawnbroking industry, which he felt was “a little bit stuck in the dark ages.”
A Business Transformed
The airing of Posh Pawn had a dramatic impact on Prestige Pawnbrokers. “We couldn’t cope,” James admitted. “We had two phones there. We were running around like we were really winging it at that point.” Despite the initial chaos, the business thrived. “But it was working for us. We were making it work. We were getting the deals done. We were closing the deals.”
The show’s success also alerted the wider industry to the lucrative potential of high-end pawnbroking. “The industry pretty quickly realised how good this was, and they all tried to, well, they still do, you know, they want to get involved with sort of higher end, higher ticket items, because it’s better for them, obviously,” James explained. He believes that Posh Pawn significantly altered both the industry and the public’s perception of pawnbroking.
Beyond the Bling: A Personal Perspective
Despite his daily dealings with incredibly valuable items, James confessed that these don’t necessarily impress him the most. When asked about his personal preferences, he revealed a surprising detachment from the luxury goods he handles. “I’m not into luxury items, in respect of watches or jewellery. I don’t wear jewellery, and I don’t wear a watch,” he said.
His true passion, particularly from his younger days, lies in classic cars. He has owned a wide array of iconic vehicles over the years, from E-Type Jaguars to Ferraris and Rolls-Royces. However, he feels that this passion has largely been satisfied. “I’ve seen so much of it, and I’ve seen the best of it, and in respect of not only the cars, but almost every luxury item that you can think of. I don’t feel the need to own it myself, and I don’t.”
James finds joy in simpler things, often discovering items he likes in junk shops or at antique fairs. “It doesn’t have to be expensive, it doesn’t. The name done. The name doesn’t mean that anything to me, to be quite honest with you,” he explained.
A Return to Television?
Over a decade since Posh Pawn first captivated audiences, James believes the time might be right for a return. His business has expanded significantly, now boasting multiple shops in prime locations across the UK, including central London, Surrey, and Manchester.
While Channel 4 has produced “budget versions” of the show in the past, James feels his current operation offers a wealth of new material. “I had one shop, tiny, little shop size, and now I’ve got eight stores, prime locations up and down,” he detailed. “You know, mine up in Manchester, I’ve got back a Harrods in Chelsea. We’ve got some beautiful stores, and they’ve they’re retailing there as well. We didn’t have the retail element, and it’s just amazing.”
If Channel 4 were to approach him again, James would be open to the idea. “So if they came back to me and said, James, we want to make a posh of pawn, and I’d be up for, probably up for it, to be honest with you,” he concluded.
