The Oldest Pawn Shops in America (Still Operating)

Pawnbroking is one of the oldest professions in America. These shops have been lending against collateral through depressions, wars, and recessions — some for over a century.

Last updated April 2026 · 12 shops · Sourced from public ratings

01
Newark, NJ · Est. 1890

William S. Rich & Son

★★★★⯨ 4.6 · 225 reviews

New Jersey's most historic pawnbroker, established in 1890 and serving Newark for over 130 years as the state's largest pawnbroker and jeweler, now using AI-powered Entrupy authentication for luxury items.

jewelrydiamondsluxury watchesgolddesigner handbags
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02
Jersey City, NJ · Est. 1895

H. Schoenberg Pawnbrokers & Jewelers

★★★★⯨ 4.7 · 145 reviews

Jersey City's oldest pawn shop, open since 1895 and still family-operated, specializing in jewelry, gold, and musical instruments with 4-month low-interest loans in the McGinley Square neighborhood.

jewelrygoldmusical instrumentsluxury watches
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03
Detroit, MI · Est. 1918

Zeidman's Jewelry and Loan

★★★★☆ 4.3 · 155 reviews

One of Detroit's oldest and most respected pawnbrokers, Zeidman's has over a century of experience in jewelry, diamonds, and vintage collectibles.

jewelrydiamondscoinsluxury watchesantiques
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04
Beverly Hills, CA · Est. 1938

Beverly Loan Company

★★★★⯨ 4.5 · 180 reviews

Beverly Hills' legendary upscale pawnbroker serving celebrities and high-net-worth clients since 1938, known for discreet collateral loans against Rolex watches, fine jewelry, and luxury assets.

luxury watchesjewelrydesigner handbagsfine artdiamonds
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05
Kansas City, KS · Est. 1940

Sol's Jewelry & Pawn

★★★★⯨ 4.5 · 195 reviews

One of Kansas City's oldest and most trusted pawn shops, Sol's specializes in fine jewelry, diamonds, and gold with over 80 years of community service and expert appraisals.

jewelrydiamondsluxury watchescoins
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06
Columbia, SC · Est. 1941

Bonded Loan Office

★★★★⯨ 4.5 · 142 reviews

A downtown Columbia staple since 1941 and multi-generational family-owned, Bonded Loan Office is South Carolina's oldest active pawnbroker with two on-site graduate gemologists and a stunning selection of fine jewelry and high-end guitars.

jewelrydiamondsguitarsgoldluxury watches
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07
Fort Wayne, IN · Est. 1946

B & B Loan Company

★★★★⯨ 4.5 · 34 reviews

A locally owned Fort Wayne pawn shop in continuous operation since 1946, B & B Loan Company is one of Indiana's oldest pawnbrokers with a loyal community following in Allen County.

jewelryelectronicstoolsmusical instrumentscoins
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08
New York, NY · Est. 1950

Paradise Pawnbrokers

★★★★☆ 4.4 · 175 reviews

A family-owned Bronx institution serving the community for over 70 years, known for honest appraisals on jewelry and electronics and a loyal neighborhood clientele.

jewelryelectronicsmusical instrumentscoins
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09
Evansville, IN · Est. 1950

Goldman's Pawn Shop

★★★★☆ 4.2 · 78 reviews

A downtown Evansville institution with decades of pawn experience, Goldman's Pawn Shop serves the Tri-State area with fair appraisals and a broad merchandise selection.

jewelryelectronicstoolsmusical instrumentsfirearms
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10
Milwaukee, WI · Est. 1955

Neighborhood Pawn & Resale

★★★★☆ 4.1 · 88 reviews

Rooted in Milwaukee's wholesale fur business since the 1950s, Neighborhood Pawn has grown into one of the Midwest's largest fur and leather distributors while providing community pawn services for over 60 years.

electronicsjewelrytoolsmusical instrumentsfur coats
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11
Chicago, IL · Est. 1960

Chicago Pawners & Jewelers

★★★★⯨ 4.5 · 320 reviews

One of Chicago's oldest and largest pawn shops, renowned for G.I.A.-certified diamonds, high cash payouts on gold and jewelry, and an in-house master jeweler for repairs.

jewelrydiamondselectronicsmusical instrumentsluxury watches
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12
San Francisco, CA · Est. 1960

Witter Coin

★★★★⯨ 4.8 · 145 reviews

San Francisco Bay Area's #1 coin and precious metals buyer since 1960, Witter Coin specializes in rare coins, gold jewelry, Rolex watches, and estate silver from its Marina District showroom.

coinsjewelryluxury watchesdiamonds
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