Le Crédit Municipal, or la tante, is where one goes when one is in dire straights and in need of cash. Bring what you can: your furs, your jewelry, your silverware, your trinkets......All will be appraised and their esteemed value will be given to you. Just be sure to pay, lest your treasures end up in the cavernous vaults of la tante....
**Now, why is it called "the aunt"??? Well, in those days (and even in these days, I suppose) it wouldn't do to explain the real reason behind why your mantle clock went missing or how you suddenly procured the rent money, would it? No, it was much more fitting to say that your aunt needed the clock or left you a bit of money.
