Three Brass Balls: The Story of the Irish Pawnshop

by Jim Fitzpatrick

Composers, artists, and writers have drawn upon the image of pawnbrokers-Hogarth, Dickens, Joyce, Chaplin, and Jerry Adams. Yet pawnbrokers were rarely given due respect or praise, as it wasn't a ""proper"" business. In 1788 there were 51 pawnbrokers in Ireland, and over 600 by 1867. The pawnbroker was as common as the corner shop. Today, there are only six in the entire country. This history traces the rise and fall of the Irish pawnshop and the different denominations and hues of Irish society involved, as well as who pawned and what. Artificial limbs, boxing gloves, birdcages, and false teeth were commonly pledged. Personal reminiscences from both sides of the counter add vivid descriptions of life in this most interesting and human of businesses.

130 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002