Our History
Maxferd Jewelry & Loan began in 1884 as “Maxferd Loan Office” near Market Street, in downtown San Francisco. The name comes from a combination of the first names of the two original founders, Max Harris and Ferdinand Wolfson. Over its 135-year history, the founders and their predecessors played a vital part in the city’s history. Here are just some of the amazing events they witnessed and participated in.
Max Harris and Ferdinand Wolfson open the first Maxferd Loan Office on Market Street to support the gold rush and people’s need to trade gold in for money.
1884
The San Francisco Chronicle opened its new headquarters down the block on what would be known as “Newspaper Row.” Journalists and politicians would frequent Maxferd, gossiping and exchanging stories of the time.
The devastating San Francisco Earthquake hits, taking with it over 3,000 lives. Max and Ferdinand do everything to support their community during this time.
1906
The Maxferd staff gets a front row seat to the exciting Market Street parade for San Francisco's returning World War I soldiers.
During World War II, the San Francisco Bay Area became America’s “Arsenal of Democracy,” causing so many dramatic changes in the Bay Area that the war years came to be known as the “Second Gold Rush.” During that time, Maxferd blossomed as a shining light in the community.
1941
The community celebrates the end of World War II and Japan’s surrender. The Maxferd staff hosts a local celebration.
Pulitzer prize winning journalist, Herb Caen, visited Maxferd often, and coined it “the Tiffany of Pawnshops" elevating the company to a new status.
1956
Maxferd adopts their first computer, and expands to more locations across the beautiful state of California.
Maxferd is presented with certificates of honor for its long history in the city of San Francisco.
2006
1884
Max Harris and Ferdinand Wolfson open the first Maxferd Loan Office on Market Street to support the gold rush and people’s need to trade gold in for money.
1889
The San Francisco Chronicle opened its new headquarters down the block on what would be known as “Newspaper Row.” Journalists and politicians would frequent Maxferd, gossiping and exchanging stories of the time.
1906
The devastating San Francisco Earthquake hits, taking with it over 3,000 lives. Max and Ferdinand do everything to support their community during this time.
1919
The Maxferd staff gets a front row seat to the exciting Market Street parade for San Francisco's returning World War I soldiers.
1941
During World War II, the San Francisco Bay Area became America’s “Arsenal of Democracy,” causing so many dramatic changes in the Bay Area that the war years came to be known as the “Second Gold Rush.” During that time, Maxferd blossomed as a shining light in the community.
1945
The community celebrates the end of World War II and Japan’s surrender. The Maxferd staff hosts a local celebration.
1956
Pulitzer prize winning journalist, Herb Caen, visited Maxferd often, and coined it “the Tiffany of Pawnshops" elevating the company to a new status.
1982
Maxferd adopts their first computer, and expands to more locations across the beautiful state of California.
2006
Maxferd is presented with certificates of honor for its long history in the city of San Francisco.