One of Our Experts Is Missing
If you’re a fan of the break-out TV hit that is Pawn Stars then you’ve probably noticed something strange is afoot. One of the best parts of this guilty pleasure from the History Channel is when the gang at the World Famous Gold and Silver Pawn Shop call in experts to appraise rare or exotic items. Chumlee and the Old Man are wonderful TV personalities but so are many of the experts featured on the show. I always enjoy seeing Drew Max pull out his over-sized magnifying glass and confirm the value of Babe Ruth’s signature, or Danny Koker break the bad news to a customer that their custom-built trike just isn’t worth the $30,000 they were asking for.
Lately however, one of the show’s most well-known and loved experts has gone missing. Sean Rich is a Master Antique Gunsmith and has appeared in over 50 episodes of Pawn Stars since it debuted in 2009. He’s usually called in when the gang needs antique guns, swords or other armory appraised and his visits are always fun. For the last two seasons Rich has been the go-to guy for these types of appraisals, but he’s been completely absent from season 5 (and much of the last half of S4 as well). The producers started substituting other experts when Rick needed firearms appraised but they’re just not Rich. I knew something fishy was going on when Mark Hall-Patton, the beloved curator of the Clark County Museum System, was called in to appraise a rare LeMat pistol from the Civil War. This was an item that would have made Sean positively dance with glee, and yet here was Mark at the pawn store, looking over an item that was clearly out of his area of expertise. So what’s going on?
The last expert on Pawn Stars that suddenly took a hiatus from the show was Rick Dale, now the star of the spin off show American Restoration. Rick and his shop proved so popular that producers gambled viewers would watch a show just about restoring antique items, and they were right. American Restoration is a great show and Rick is a wonderful TV personality, but is the same thing about to happen with Sean Rich? I think it’s more likely that Sean is simply busy with another project that’s filling his time. Sean worked as a consultant on some of the Pirates of the Caribbean films and so I’m hoping that he’ll eventually return. In addition, Sean’s business Tortuga Trading Inc., is run out of his home and doesn’t have a traditional shop like Rick Dale that could be used as the basis for a new show. The only other explanation is that Sean and the show’s producers had a falling out, and I really hope that didn’t happen.
One of the things I love the most about Sean is how excited he gets to see a genuinely rare piece. He obviously has a great appreciation for history as he often explains in geeky detail what makes a firearm valuable and I must admit his enthusiasm is infectious. Before Pawn Stars came along, I really didn’t know anything about antique guns or why they were awesome but thanks to Rick Dale and Sean Rich I now have a greater appreciation for the value of these fine pieces of history. Here’s hoping Sean eventually emerges from some dusty tomb or secret Hollywood film set and takes his occasional place along side Rick, Corey and the Old Man yet again.
Update: Thanks to an email sent by another curious fan, we now have the answer of what happened to Sean on Pawn Stars. Seems as though the executives at the History Channel and the production company behind Pawn Stars wanted to lock Sean down into an exclusive arrangement for his appearances and offered him little or no money. He refused and so they replaced him. Damn shame, I was afraid of something like this. Thanks a lot History Channel, this is why we can’t have nice things. 🙁
Update II: After two full years, it appears Sean Rich is back on Pawn Stars. Sean briefly appeared on the Oct, 2nd 2014 episode and was brought in to appraise a colt firearm. I was astonished to see him again and stricken by the fact that absolutely no mention was made about why he had been away or why he didn’t receive a nice “Welcome back, Sean!” from Rick or the guys. It seems like The History Channel wants to pretend he never left. Hopefully he’s back for good. Fingers are crossed.
BRING SEAN BACK!! The new guy is not as good as Sean and I can’t believe hes gone, sucks
At least the new expert knows what he is talking about.
What jerks, the opinion of people like Sean are what make this show interesting
and History is to cheap to pay them ?
I completely agree with Linda P, Sean will be missed. I don’t just watch Pawn Stars for the Harrisons, it’s other people like Sean that make it a complete package. He brought a great amount of knowledge and excitement to the antiques he expertly viewed. Double the advertisements or something, I don’t want all the great experts jumping ship! More importantly, why don’t the Harrisons pay for the expert opinions? It’s their shop that’s making money from everything!
Bring back Shaun he knew his stuff!!
My wife and I both miss Sean very much … especially when he takes them out to the range to fire the weapon/s he consulted on … I am waiting for one of them to blow up on their test monkey Chum … Please bring him back! … ( only kidding about a firearm blowing up on Chum, we like him too.!)
I’m a little suspicious that some type of collusion was going on between Sean Rich and the Harrison’s; in order for the Pawn Shop to get a more valuable item for less. This thwarts Sean’s reputation and underrates his knowledge in the field of antique firearms appraisals, (a threat to his business). I think he just bailed before he sunk deeper into the pit.
I wish the producers bring back Sean, the new guy, Craig, is no where near as likeable or interesting. I am actually losing interest (and some of my friends too) in the show because of some of the new experts like him. Someone told me the day of the Conn school shooting, Craig posted a cupcake with a gun on his Facebook wall. Wanker.
Bring Sean Rich back!!!
I felt as though that expert, Sean, was starting to, “go all Hollywood” as they say. He seemed to get more arrogant and flashy as the show progressed; obviously gaining a little fame and notoriety from his appearances. It doesn’t surprise me that he was let go after a falling out with execs over money issues. He even became part of a show on the Discovery Channel about appraising firearms, which I don’t think did too well.
Someone sent Sean an email wondering why he hadn’t been on the show recently. This was his reply:
“Thank you for the e-mail. At the moment: Unfortunately, to make a very long story short, the production company and History Channel wanted me to sign an ?exclusivity agreement? to lock me down, control me, my business, future, my appearance, how I make a living to provide for my family, and expect me to do it for free or very little money without any negotiation (with no guarantee of being used !). So basically, I told them to ?go pound sand??
Please understand, that my decision has nothing to do with Rick and the Harrison?s, I love those guys. It is the unfortunate nature of the production company and Network greed when they have a successful show. Who knows, if enough fans cry out, maybe they will get the message and come back to the table of ?reality??
Thank you for your support !
Sean Rich
TortugaTrading Inc.”
I hope they bring him back!
Sean is on a show on national geographic called lords of war you guys should check it out
Craig Gottlieb is a pompus ass that knows nothing. He has to research everything before he comes on the show.Sean is a much better guy for the job bring sean back!
Sean Rich also stars in a Show called “Lords of War ” (2013) were he auctions off weapons that are rare or have some historical background .The whole season is out i must say its a nice spin off expecially if you like guns . And another top tv show about guns in action is Top Shot also recommend it ,
Jen Griffen, your comment is absurd (unless, of course, you are a shill for Pawn Stars). Sean was already very well know in his field, and Hollywood, and did not need Pawn Stars for that. They (Pawn Stars) have been, and continue to be, from what I have seen and heard, very greedy and like to use folks, rather than appropriately compensate them for the value they add to the show, as experts. I have turned down more than once the opportunity to be their police memorabilia (primarily old collectible police badges) “expert” given their rather arrogant approach – as if merely being on their show is “compensation” enough. Well, for me, my time and experience are definitely worth a bit more than what they think. And now using Mark Hall-Patton to “authenticate” guns, and badges is laughable. I have seen him at police memorabilia shows, and he has absolutely no knowledge of old police badges. Clearly, Pawn Stars has their own agenda and hey, it’s their show, so that’s ok……unfortunately, their agenda can result in substandard experts, and so the viewership suffers, and this may speed up that inevitable process, wherein Pawn Stars will one day become yesterdays news. In the meantime, one must congratulate Rick for coming up with a concept that all buts insures financial success for him and his family. Like many, I miss Sean’s contribution, but understand and support his decision to NOT work, basically, for “free”, and as a hostage, as well (unable to make money doing other related gigs).
Love Sean, and he did bring alot to the show, miss him, and hope those History Channel chumps can dig up some freakin money for Sean and his expertise, he new what he was talking about…..BRING SEAN BACK!!
Thanks. now I know what happened. Every episode I watched I wondered where he was. We miss him, hope he will return to the show.
Noooooooooooooooo!
Sean rocked, I too hoped his abscence was only going to be short lived.
And as for the comments about the Harrisons ripping people off… Its a PAWN SHOP people!!! If people want to make money from selling their tat they can always try and sell it themselves! Pawn shops are there for when you need money in a hurry because you don’t have any! If people aren’t happy with his offer they don’t have to take it.
AnywAy…
Please History stop being Tight Arses and bring Sean back!
The other guns “experts” on Pawn Stars are milk-toast compared to Sean. Hoping History Channel will come to their senses.
Greed. How ugly it can be!! Sean was a great part of the show. BRING HIM BACK!! I hate seeing the gun expert segments now. It’s horrible.
So they wanted him to be exclusive with them, not be able to work for anyone else including movie studios, and pay him nothing or next to nothing for it? Yeah, I’d say no to that, too.
Yet again people who are supposed to be in the entertainment business and be in touch with what their fanbase likes couldn’t be further off the mark… To save a few pennies they alienated one of the regulars on a beloved show…. No doubt the decision was made by mid to upper level functionaries with Neolithic incompetence
PLEASE..BRING SEAN BACK!! HE IS WHAT MAKES THE GUN SEGMENTS FUN AND INTERESTING..HE REALLY KNEW HIS STUFF..MY HUSBAND AND I H8 THE BORING NEW GUY.. HISTORY CHANNEL- OPEN YOUR WALLET A LITTLE AND BRING SEAN BACK PRONTO!!!
I knew Sean from Del Mar antique shows and from his wife’s store in North San Diego. He’s sincere, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful to we novices. Producers and Rick, you are fools. It takes years of handling items and study to acquire a depth of knowledge in a field for which you are all extremely well paid. The same monetary respect should be shown for Sean’s knowledge. Pry open that stingy, cheapskate wallet and pay up. You’d pay the show’s lawyers or doctors for their brain power so bring him back and PAY HIM !!!
History channel bring Sean back. You spend money on stupid shows that are fixed or faked. You can take that ice road truckers off . And the money u save from all the fake stuff,u can pay Sean.
I was also wondering what happened to Sean. So sad to hear greed is the reason. Sean was so knowledgeable, cute, and personable. Each episode he was featured on was a treat. This Craig character comes off semi cocky, slight uptight and he’s not pleasant to look at or listen to. Who takes him seriously? Each time he comes on the show I truly laugh and usually change the channel or fast forward past his segment. For the love of God bring back the real expert Sean and cut the crap History channel.
I tape the show so I can skip all the crap between Chumlee and the Harrison’s. it’s fun to see how stupid people are to take pennys on the dollar. Just read where the Houdini jacket sold at auction for $49,000 + when Rick offered 25,000 the guy was smart enough to walk.
I was wondering what was up with not seeing Sean anymore. I’ve been watching less and less, I see that trend continuing.
Hate the fact that this is about lack of compensation for Sean. C’mon Hist Chan! Pay up! You’re raking it in for this show, in part, because of the participation of people like Sean. What a bunch of tightwads.
Please bring Sean back to Pawn Stars, he was much more believable and more fun. The show is not as good without him.
Sean Rich was probably my #1 favorite character on Pawn Stars. I love how excited he gets and I stopped watching it like I used to….pay the man he’s worth it!!! (and he’s hot lol)
The show is getting played. How many times can we hear, “What are your conerns?” “If I can get this at the right price, I can make a lot of money (duh) ” And for God’s sake, when they fold their arms, they do not look like tough guys. They look silly.
If you want to keep up on what Sean is doing follow him on facebook @ facebook.com/tortugatrading
Craig Gottlieb is the LAUGHING STOCK of the militaria field. He knows NOTHING about firearms – NOTHING! He just researches and memorizes a script when he appears on the show. How much he must be PAYING for his on-air time is likely mind-boggling! He sells absolute FAKES. For example, the Hitler Desk Set was proven to be a FAKE. Also, his book on the Totenkopf Ring is full of errors and he was caught red handed trying to get an expert to falsely validate a FAKE ring! However, he is one hell of a SELF-promoter. WAKE UP Rick and FIRE him before your reputation is irreparably damaged by association
The new guy does a fine job!
Bring Sean back! We don’t like the new guy because he’s b-o-r-i-n-g!
I too prefer sean over craig any day. Heres hoping history channel gets their thumb out of their butt and brings him back
I have dealt with Shaun personally. He is down to earth and always willing to spend his own time one on one. He is the most generous and giving person with his time. I also buy from him and his merchandise is described perfectly and is the best of the best!!! I agree with him. Really, anyone reading this, would you sign your life away and alot of your income. It doesn’t really seem all about being paid to be on Pawn Stars but imagine you are a well known, respected and in high demand in your field. You have to give up everything and give up your way to provide a home, food, clothes, etc.. for your family to be on a show randomly for possibly FREE!!!?? Why does the Producer’s demand Shaun to give up working on movies, other shows, his work to make a living, etc.. literally give up everything!!!!! Most people agree with these thoughts but a few don’t. To those who disagree, I have one question. Give up your job tomorrow, your income, your career, give up everything you worked for all your life and sign your life away to others that will control all your moves just to appear on a tv show randomly free. What would you do???
I don’t know what all the hubub is about. Both Sean and Craig seem to be knowlegable about their craft, and frankly … both are entertaining and teach my family something every time we watch Pawn Stars and they are on. Whatever the drama behind Sean’s departure, and Craig’s online-haters, give it a rest, people! It’s JUST A TV SHOW, DAMN IT.
The rich just want to get richer. Greed will be Pawn Stars undoing. Sean and the other experts make the show and its unfortunate they are too arrogant to see that. Whats done is done and there is no way Sean is coming back, but neither am I and im sure a lot of other viewers. How much do the experts real matter? Proof is right here, we are writing about it. Multiple each post by thousands for those who read but font post. Im someone who never posts but im doing it now. Pawn Stars done in 2-3 yrs.
Sean Rich was the man. I am saddened to hear what has become of him as far as the History Channels greed and lack of appreciation. I do enjoy the new guy and find him to be quite knowledgeable, but frankly, hes just not the same. And honestly, his eyes kind of scare me, lol.
I’ve seen the show until Sean left. I have not seen him, I do not care that people leave spare money to go to the best of the series.
Are not interested in quality, only money. By By Pawn Stars
Is there anyway we can get a petition going to try and get him back on the show? His enthusiasm made it so fun when dealing with antique firearms! Why can’t the history channel pay him more money, it’s not like the show isn’t a huge hit.
I loved it when they called Sean in. You could tell that he enjoys what he does by the enthusiasm and excitement when he handles the firearms. Please bring him back!! He is a real expert!
I also miss the appearances of Sean the antique weapons specialist. As others have stated his knowledge is expansive and his interactions with the guys from the show on the weapons range has been very entertaining. Hopefully the history channel will compensate him appropriately and swallow their pride and bring Sean back.
Not only are we missing Drew and Sawn, but a recent episode had Rick buying a kids toy pump car, and much to my surprise, the job of restoring it was given to some unknown, Not Rick Dale, What is going on here?
I wish I learned to spell, I meant Sean, not Sawn, God what an idiot.
I always thought Sean got mad when Rick completely lowballed that guy with the super rare civil war gatling gun. It was one of the lowest of the low, insulting offers Rick ever made and you could tell Sean wasn’t diggin’ it.
My freind jus came bak from vegas n went to the pawn stars shop n e sed its just full of t shirts n mugs n pics of rik n the gang very disapointing …thy just want somethng for nothing in that shop n i wonder how much a episode thy get …i heard chumlee gts thousands per show .yet wen e wanted a bike from the shop the old man sed chumlee can pay weekly…cmooooon wats goin on over there …thanks steve from england
Yeah, Shawn was great… unfortunately, Craig is known in the militaria collecting world to be a laughing stalk. He knows nothing about weapons… any collector and real expert can see that in to seconds. And Craig is known for suspect dealings in the collecting world… but that is another subject all together.
But no one watches Pawn Stars anymore anyway… it is quite boring now.