Most people pawn jewellery, electronics, musical instruments, sports equipment or appliances when they’re in need of cash fast.

However, today’s pawnbrokers have been known to accept everything from live animals to prosthetics! Here are seven of the strangest items ever pawned.

Toilets

You may be surprised to learn that some people have secured loans against the value of toilets.

A toilet seat from a NASA shuttle and a porcelain toilet that once belonged to Beatles member, John Lennon, have been pawned, as have antique bedpans and even prison toilets.

Gold teeth

Considering that gold retains its value regardless of its form, it’s not surprising that pawnbrokers are offered all sorts of gold items. Among the more unusual gold items pawned are gold teeth.

Shockingly, though, some pawnbrokers have been offered teeth removed from the mouths of deceased relatives.

Human hair

With the rise in popularity of 100% human hair extensions, hair pieces and wigs, human hair has become quite valuable. In fact, a pure human hair wig or set of extensions can easily cost a few thousand rand.

Most people prefer to buy new wigs, weaves, or extensions for hygiene purposes. Nonetheless, there are records of pawnbrokers accepting these items.

Live animals

Not all pawnbrokers are willing to accept live animals as collateral, but there are those who have accepted everything from pet reptiles to horses. Occasionally, pawnbrokers are even offered herds of livestock, such as pigs, sheep or cows.

Body piercing jewellery

Gold, silver and platinum jewellery are staples in the pawn industry because, although jewellery designs may go out of fashion, these metals always retain their value as raw materials.

With the rise in popularity of body modifications and piercings, pawnbrokers aren’t just accepting traditional jewellery anymore, but everything from diamond tongue studs to platinum belly bars.

Prosthetics

Prosthetic limbs are expensive, but typically they’re tailored to suit a particular individual. Nonetheless, some pawnbrokers in the United States report instances of people pawning artificial limbs.

Entire houses

Most people see pawn loans as short-term loans against small items, furniture or vehicles. However, there have been cases where people have pawned their entire houses, along with their contents.

Getting a loan from Lamna

At Lamna, we don’t accept strange or unusual items like those listed here – but we do offer fast, discreet loans against the value of a wide range of assets, from luxury watches and jewellery to vehicles or artwork.