While I was in here I saw a photograph by Peter Lik on the wall. I asked to see it and it was gotten down for me to look at. At first glance it appeared to be a piece that retailed for over $10k but I could not see the signature or number because of the frame. The price was about $400 for the piece. I asked to see the certificate of authenticity [COA] and was presented a printed form from G&S Pawn. I looked at it and noticed that it stated "unsigned" and "not numbered". I requested to see the COA again and was told that I was looking at it. I specified the COA from Peter Lik Design, and was told that there was not one associated with the item. After a quick call to my Peter Lik gallery in La Jolla CA. it was confirmed that the piece in question had many copies that were circulated around ebay and the like that were sold for about $35. Needless to say I didn't purchase the item for the $350-$400 price tag they had on it. I was told they had about $300 in it, I am not sure if that was true or not.
While G&S Pawn did not misrepresent anything and they were entirely truthful in all interactions you can end up purchasing something that is very over valued if you do not know what you are doing. Don't rush in to anything and do your due diligence. I find it hard to believe that they were in to this piece for about $300 as form the show I have seen they are very good at valuations of items.
On the flip side I will also say that I bought a scuba tank a few years ago from them and after a discussion about Hydro testing [an every 5 year test], eddie current testing [also every 5 years], proper cleaning for nitrox certification [it was a nitrox tank], and viton O ring replacement, they did come down to a fair and reasonable price on the item.
I know they have to make a profit to stay in business and am totally cool with that, but with the Peter Lik piece I think the profit margin they were wanting was a little too high.