Many fans of The History Channel and perhaps their most popular show, Pawn Stars, have often heard Rick Harrison say: “I know a guy who knows a lot more about this kind of stuff than I do, so let me get him in here.” Sounds familiar, right?
John Reznikoff has appeared personally on the show in addition to working behind the scenes with many featured autograph items. Founder of the world-renowned historical collectibles firm University Archives, Reznikoff has advised the show’s authenticators, including three generations of Harrison men and fan-favorite Chumlee. Rick and the rest of the World-Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop have a broad knowledge of collectibles, but they’ve called on the expert eye of Reznikoff dozens of times to authenticate items related to Harry Houdini, John Quincy Adams, John F. Kennedy, Paul Newman, and Isaac Newton.
There are some drawbacks to working with producers. For instance, production limitations had John identify a screenplay of The Godfather as signed by Al Pacino when some claimed it was the signature of the director, Al Ruddy. Reznikoff laughed at criticism for the “mistake,” but what many of these critics failed to see was the result; the screenplay, with the help of John, eventually raised $12,000 – $11,000 more than as appraised on Pawn Stars – for charity.
There’s no question as to why Pawn Stars frequently calls on Reznikoff to authenticate for them, as do many other critically-acclaimed shows. Even the go-to website for nitpicking critics, Ripoff Report, gives him their stamp of approval! Outside the small screen, you will find Reznikoff authenticating for governmental agencies, and he also frequently consults on legal cases.
It’s good to see people like John Reznikoff bring actual “reality” to “reality television” these days.