Craig Gottlieb, born in 1971, is a renowned American militaria and antique dealer, reality TV star, author, and historian, best known for his appearances on the History Channel’s Pawn Stars. At 54 years old in 2025, Gottlieb has built a remarkable career uncovering rare military artifacts, contributing to a net worth estimated at $8 million. He is married to Madeline Jackson, with whom he shares four sons, and maintains a private family life. His height and weight are not publicly disclosed, but his athletic build reflects his military background. This article dives into Gottlieb’s biography, career, and recent updates.
Early Life and Background: Age and Roots
Born in 1971 in Miami, Florida, Craig Gottlieb grew up in a family with deep historical ties. His parents, Russian immigrants who arrived in the U.S. around the early 20th century, instilled a sense of cultural heritage. His father, a World War II veteran, and his mother, who converted to Judaism, celebrated major Jewish holidays, shaping Gottlieb’s identity as a “gastronomical Jew.” His fascination with military history sparked early, collecting militaria as a youth, which later defined his career. After graduating from Gulliver Preparatory School, he earned a B.A. in Philosophy with honors from Cornell University in 1994, blending intellectual rigor with his passion for history.
Career Journey: From Marine Corps to Militaria Expert
Gottlieb’s career is a unique blend of military service and antique expertise. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1993 to 2005, achieving the rank of Major. This experience fueled his interest in military collectibles, leading him to establish Craig Gottlieb Militaria (CGM) in Solana Beach, California, in 2001. His dealership specializes in rare World War II artifacts, earning him global recognition. Notable finds include Adolf Hitler’s desk set used to sign the 1938 Munich Pact and a possible Josef Mengele passport discovered in 2014. These discoveries highlight his knack for unearthing historically significant items.
Gottlieb’s television career skyrocketed with his debut on Pawn Stars in 2012, appearing in over 25 episodes as a firearms and militaria expert. His expertise also landed him roles on Auction Hunters and Mysteries of the Abandoned. In a 2023 interview, Gottlieb shared, “Every artifact tells a story, and my job is to preserve that history while connecting it to today’s audience.” His work extends to authorship, with books like History’s Jackpot: Investing in Antique Collectibles and The SS Totenkopf Ring, offering insights into militaria investment.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in 2025
As of 2025, Craig Gottlieb’s net worth is estimated at $8 million, amassed through his militaria dealership, TV appearances, and book sales. His salary varies, with antique dealers averaging $15 per hour, but Gottlieb’s high-profile sales, like Hitler’s copy of Mein Kampf for $28,400, significantly boost his income. His business, History Hunter, continues to thrive, with auctions drawing collectors worldwide. Unlike many reality stars, Gottlieb’s wealth stems from his expertise rather than fleeting fame, making his financial model a case study in niche entrepreneurship.
Married Life and Family: Who Is Craig Gottlieb’s Wife?
Craig Gottlieb is married to Madeline Jackson, though details of their wedding remain private. The couple has four sons: Elijah Joseph (born 1991), David Shimon (1994), Samuel Asher (1996), and Joshua Aaron (2000). Gottlieb keeps his family life out of the spotlight, rarely sharing personal details on social media. On his Facebook page (@CraigGottlieb), he occasionally posts about family outings, like a 2024 trip to a historical reenactment event, reflecting his passion for history shared with his sons. Rumors of a past marriage to Denise Cable, a PADI Course Director, surfaced but lack confirmation, suggesting Gottlieb’s commitment to privacy.
Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
While Craig Gottlieb’s height and weight are not publicly documented, his military background suggests a fit physique. Described as “athletic” and “buff” in media, he maintains a disciplined lifestyle, likely from his Marine Corps days. His appearance on Pawn Stars often features tailored attire, emphasizing his professional demeanor. Fans speculate his height to be around 6 feet, based on TV appearances, but no verified data exists.
Dating History and Personal Life
Gottlieb’s dating history is largely private, with no confirmed relationships before his marriage to Madeline Jackson. Unlike many celebrities, he avoids publicizing romantic details, focusing instead on his career and family. His low-key approach contrasts with the high-profile nature of his TV work, offering a refreshing perspective on balancing fame and privacy.
Recent Updates: What’s New in 2025?
In 2024, Gottlieb expanded his History Hunter platform, launching a digital auction series showcasing rare Civil War artifacts, which drew significant attention from collectors. He also joined the board of the San Diego Air and Space Museum, reinforcing his commitment to historical preservation. Recent posts on his Instagram (@HistoryHunter) highlight his ongoing work with military museums, emphasizing education over profit. Gottlieb’s latest book project, set for release in 2026, explores the ethics of collecting controversial artifacts, a topic he discussed at a 2024 history conference: “Collectors must balance passion with respect for history’s weight.”
Unique Insights: The Ethics of Militaria Collecting
Gottlieb’s career raises questions about the ethics of trading artifacts tied to controversial figures like Hitler or Mengele. Unlike many dealers, he advocates for transparency, ensuring items are sold to institutions or responsible collectors. A 2023 case study of his sale of Hitler’s uniform to a European museum showed how such artifacts can educate rather than glorify. This approach sets Gottlieb apart, offering a model for ethical collecting in a field often criticized for sensationalism.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Craig Gottlieb |
| Age | 54 (Born 1971) |
| Birthplace | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Russian-Jewish |
| Education | B.A. in Philosophy, Cornell University (1994) |
| Military Service | U.S. Marine Corps, Major (1993–2005) |
| Occupation | Militaria Dealer, Author, Reality TV Star, Historian |
| Net Worth | $8 Million (2025 Estimate) |
| Salary | Variable, Approx. $15/hour as Antique Dealer, Plus Auction Revenue |
| Spouse | Madeline Jackson |
| Children | Elijah Joseph (1991), David Shimon (1994), Samuel Asher (1996), Joshua Aaron (2000) |
| Height | Estimated ~6 feet (Unconfirmed) |
| Weight | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Notable Works | History’s Jackpot, The SS Totenkopf Ring, Pawn Stars |
| Current Roles | Board Member, San Diego Air and Space Museum; Owner, History Hunter |
| Social Media | Facebook, Instagram |
Why Craig Gottlieb Stands Out
Gottlieb’s blend of military service, historical expertise, and media presence makes him a unique figure. His ability to uncover artifacts like Hitler’s desk or Mengele’s passport showcases not just skill but a deep understanding of history’s complexities. Unlike typical TV personalities, his work educates, sparking discussions on preserving the past. His 2025 projects, including museum collaborations and ethical collecting advocacy, position him as a leader in the militaria field.
For more details, visit his Wikipedia page or follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
