first edition
1913 · New York
by Levine, Samuel W.
New York: D. Halpern Company, 1913. First Edition. Octavo. xvi, 183p. This book is composed of two important parts: first, it deals with the history of pawnbroking noting along the way that it was Queen Isabella of Seville who pawned her jewels to finance Columbus first voyage to America. Second, and the most useful portion of the volume deals with the laws relating to pawn operations with details that have remained constant throughout the ages. The author interviewed the major pawnbrokers in Philadelphia and they disclosed both the intricate details of the business and the occasional downsides. While there are thousands of books on banks, there are very few who note how important pawnshops are which function as "banks for the little man." These businesses are a source of credit for millions of Americans who need to make a car or house payment or simply to dispose of an item no longer needed for an item they really want. Bound in green cloth, spine lettering gilt, some spotting to front edge of upper board and rear board, previous bookstore's stamp. A very good copy.
(Inventory #: 018970)