Pawn Stars South Africa opens the door to the Cash Inn pawn shop, Johannesburg, where owner Roy Peretz, his partners Eytan and Liel and assistants Irene and Solly meet customers from all walks of life who flock to pawn or sell all manner of items.
South Africa’s rich and diverse culture provides a treasure-trove of fascinating artefacts, some of which you might be hard pushed to find elsewhere.
Here are just a few of the unusual items customers have brought into the Cash Inn.
Nguni prepuce cover
Something you certainly wouldn't find in the window of your average UK pawn shop, these covers made of wood or other natural materials are designed to be worn on the end of the penis to protect it, and also to hide it from view.
Originally worn by the Nguni tribes of southern Africa – the Xhoza, Zulu, Swazi, and Ndebele – the covers are still used by some to this day. The cover that was brought into the Cash Inn had never been worn, apparently.
Queen's South Africa Medal
A rare medal awarded to military personnel who served in the Anglo-Boer war between 1899 and 1902 has also found its way into the shop.
The Anglo Boer War AKA The Second Boer War was fought by the British Empire against two Afrikaner (Boer) republics: Transvaal and Orange Free State.
Although it was the largest and most costly war in which the British engaged between the Napoleonic Wars and World War I, it was fought between wholly unequal protagonists.
The total British and Commonwealth military strength in South Africa reached nearly 500,000 men, whereas the Boers could muster no more than about 88,000. The war is one of the key historical events that shaped South Africa as we know it today.
The medal in question was awarded to an Indian solider, thus increasing it's rarity.
Ixwa Assegai Spear
In an episode of the new series, Pawn Stars South Africa, a customer brought in an Ixwa Assegai Spear.
An Ixwa is a “short stabbing spear” used by warriors of the Zulu people. The Ixwa spear was introduced in the early 1800s by Shaka kaSenzangakhona AKA Shaka Zulu – one of the most prominent Zulu Kings of all time.
While Shaka has been called a military genius for his reforms and innovations, and he has also been condemned for the brutality of his reign.
This particular spear was not an antique, rather a hand-made collectable by South African artisan weapon-smith Robert Bauchop; a man famous for his craftsmanship and attention to detail. It has a stainless steel blade and the handle made of Rhodesian teak.
Jan Christiaan Smuts’ 1942 address to the Houses of Parliament
Jan Smuts was a prominent South African and British Commonwealth statesman, military leader and philosopher. Smuts led the Boer Commando in the Anglo-Boar War for the Transvaal.
During the First World War, he led the armies of South Africa against Germany, capturing German South-West Africa and commanding the British Army in East Africa. He was the only person to sign both of the peace treaties ending the First and Second World Wars.
In 1942 Smuts gave an historic address at the Houses of Parliament. It was the first time and Empire statesman had addressed a combined assembly of the House of Lords and House of Commons.
The historic speech was recorded and a vinyl pressing of it was yet another of the unusual items which found its way into the Cash Inn.
