From quilts and sewing machines from the post-war era to the iPods and designer bags of today, pawned items are a good barometer of what's valuable. What's accepted depends on the experience and know-how of pawnbrokers, which varies from shop to shop. Some shops in Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui take luxury handbags such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci, but Thomas Hung at the Yan On Pawn Shop says, 'No thanks.'

The most common items are jewellery (diamonds and gold) and luxury watches (brands such as Rolex, Omega and Cartier), thanks to their lasting value. Mobile phones, laptops and digital gadgets can also be found, but prices fall. Hung says last year's HK$2,000 Japanese digital camera may only be worth HK$300 now.

Items also reflect living standards of the times. In the 50s, an electric fan was a luxury item. The Woo Cheong Pawn Shop reports having received antique furniture and relics of 'national museum quality'.