We all know a hoarder with a basement full of odd pieces. Well, American Pickers on the History Channel follows Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they pick through other people’s junk all across the country. Thus, we compiled a list of the biggest and most successful picks from the show. These items will have you calling up a financial advisor in hopes your own home holds treasures!
Polarimeter, $1,000
Now, this one is a bit confusing. Frank Fritz actually paid $1,000 to a customer for a polarimeter he owned already. This South Carolina native had seen the special antique polarimeter on American Pickers, so he reached out to Fritz in order to purchase it. After the man sent $300 to Fritz, he never received anything. Thus, the man filed a lawsuit, but Fritz didn’t show up at court. Alas, the judge awarded the man $1000 settlement.
Polarimeter, $1,000
Slideshow Banners, $5,000
Maybe if you’re a big fan of the show you recall the duo’s trip to Easton, Pennsylvania in the season three premiere. In Easton, they toured an abandoned amusement park with tour guide, Neal Fennel. Fennel is known locally as “Balloons the Clown.” When Fritz and Wolfe spotted old slideshow banners, they paid just $700 for them. Once the banners were appraised at between $5,000 and $6,000, the pickers generously gave $5,000 to their faithful guide.
Slideshow Banners, $5,000
Jell-O Wagon, $6,500
Next up, it’s an antique wagon that American Picker star Danielle Colby found. This mint condition Jell-O wagon is an original created by Pearle Bixby Wait in a place called LeRoy, New York. Due to its pristine condition and original parts and even paint, the pickers came to a fair price of $6,500.
Jell-O Wagon, $6,500
Train Set, $8,000
Season seven began with a a bit of bust for the pickers. What they believed to be a mint-condition Lionel Train set was far from it. So when Fritz tried to flip the locomotive at an auction…things did not go well. It turns out what they paid $8,000 for, they could only sell for $3,400 since it had replaced parts.
Train Set, $8,000
Airstream, $8,000
Unfortunately, this rundown 1948 Airstream travel trailer ended up needing up to $3,000 in repairs. However, the Iowa native pickers traded the trailer for a special Indian motorcycle in addition to $5,000. Therefore, they made out pretty well in the end.
Airstream, $8,000
Elephant’s Head, $9,500
Perhaps, one of the oddest sequence of events occurred on the 57th episode. First, Wolfe got himself a taxidermied elephant head. Then, musician Jack White from the White Stripes and the Raconeurs decided he desperately needed this elephant head. White paird $6,000 and also gave Wolfe about $6,000 worth of antiques. Some of these antiques included a jukebox and even old photo booth. Interesting trade…
Elephants Head, $9,500
Guitar, $9,500
Another trade with a rockstar happened with this guitar pick! When Wolfe and Fritz found a 1958 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 guitar, they had to have it! In fact, they paid $9,500 for the guitar and two amps. Then, the Black Key’s guitarist and vocalist, Dan Auerbach purchased one amp along with the guitar for $10,000.
Guitar, $9,500
Vincent Motorcycle, $10,000
Back in the 1920s through the 1950s, the British manufacturer called Vincent Motorcyle was in operation. Since the manufacturer only produced for a short period and came out with superior technology, their items are rare today. Thus, it was a no-brainer for Fritz when he paid $10,000 for a Vincent motorcycle. He made the right call! Fritz later sold it for $12,000 to Iowa’s National Motorcycle Museum.
Vincent Motorcycle, $10,000
Motorcycle and Sidecar, $10,500
During their trip to Europe, the pickers came across a German Zundapp RS 750 motorcycle and sidecar for $10,500. Though it cost a hefty $1,000 to ship back to America, it was worth it. The duo was able to flip the bike for an impressive $18,000.
Motorcycle And Sidecar, $10,500
Cyclecar, $12,000
When the pair came across and Indianapolis-built bike from 1914, they could not resist. Thus, the pickers bought the Henderson cyclecar for $12,000. Again, it proved profitable since they managed to sell it for $14,500.
Cyclecar, $12,000
Dodge A100 Hot Rod Truck, $12,500
For Frank, finding a truck only he could squeeze into was instant love. They came across the Dodge A100 Hot Rod Truck in some collector’s garage. The pickers gladly paid the $12,500 for it.
Dodge A100 Hot Rod Truck, $12,500
Harley, $20,000
After hearing about a 1937 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead bike in a close-by barn, these Iowa pickers moved fast. Once at the barn, it took what seemed like endless bargaining to negotiate with the owner. Finally, Wolfe settled on $20,000 with the owner for the motorcycle and later on, turned down an offer for $25,000.
Harley, $20,000
Von Dutch XAVW Motorcycle, $21,000
If you thought the other bikes on this list were cool, this one takes the cake. Back in 2012, Wolfe found this custom Von Dutch XAVW bike. The motorcycle was made in 1966, using parts from Harley and Volkswagen. Not to mention, the pickers found it abandonded for decades in some barn. They were able to sell it for a whopping $21,000.
Von Dutch XAVW Motorcycle, $21,000
Auburn, $26,500
As fans know, these pickers are not shy when it comes to getting down and dirty for a good find! In one episode, Mike Wolfe takes apart an entire barn to rescue any potential treasures. Actually, he ends up finding a 1935 Auburn Phaeton 653! The Auburn ends up costing him not just the $26,500 he paid but an additional $10,000 for repairs. Fortunately, in the end he was able to get an impressive $45,000 for the Auburn!
Auburn, $26,500
Merz Cycle Car, $35,000
When Frank and David Ohrt come across a collector’s 1914 Merz Cycle Car, they needed to act fast. To fully understand the importance, you should know how rare this antique is today. The owner told the pickers that only two exist today! First he asked them for $37,500 but they bargained it down to $35,000 due to some missing parts.
Merz Cycle Car, $35,000
Indian Motorcycles, $40,000
So this 1939 Indian 4-cylinder bike is nicknamed the ‘Aristocrat’ and for good reason. The pickers were able to buy this beauty for $30,000 and even got another motorcycle for $10,000! The second bike is a 1930s Indian Chief. Together, the bikes were valued at $58,000.
Indian Motorcycle,s $40,000
Nash-Healeys, $46,000
At an old AMC dealership, Wolfe and Fritz came across two 1954 Nash-Healey coupes! After some negotiating, they ended up paying $21,000 for one and $26,000 for the other. The show updated fans that while one vehicle sold, the other is being repaired.
Nash Healeys, $46,000
Royal Pioneer Motorcycle, $55,000
Back in the early 1900s, a company called Royal Pioneer produced some quality, luxury motorcycles. Sadly, a tragic fire ended up leading to the company’s bankruptcy just one year after productions began. Thus, not even 500 bikes were made, and nowadays, only five remain. Due to its rarity, Wolfe agreed to pay $55,000 and apparently, this cycle is not for sale! Wow with money like that to spend, we hope Wolfe has a trustworthy financial advisor!
Royal Pioneer Motorcycle , $55,000
Classic Motorcycle Parts, $62,000
The pickers ventured to Springfield, Massachusetts in 2014 to Paper City Brewing. There two brothers hoped to make some money off their motorcycle collection and parts. Wanting money to expand their brewery, the brothers did not have time for repairing the five bikes, Harleys and Indians. Thus, the pickers settled on the whole lot for $62,000! Those brothers don’t need a financial advisor to tell them that’s definitely going to be a huge help with expansion.
Classic Motorcycle Parts, $62,000
Rare Motorcycle, $90,000
Next up is a rare find that was featured in the season 17 premiere called “The $90,000 Question.” The duo somehow needs to come up with a ton of cash to get their hands on rare bikes. They travel to the Pacific Northwest where rumor has it there’s an antique automobile collection! It’s there the two see their dream bike. In fact, the rare Ace four-cylinder motorcycle forces the two to secure a line of credit in order to gamble big time on the most rare item they have ever found!
Rare Motorcycle, $90,000
Handmade Model T, Priceless
Hard to believe, but you can in fact drive this wood Model T. When the pickers see a man named Brent about the handcrafted vehicle, they learn his father built it! Brent’s father took seven years to build it, and Brent did not even set a price for this amazing automobile. Instead, the pickers helped him get his father’s Model T into a museum. How sweet! See it isn’t always about big bucks and securing a financial advisor!
Handmade Model T, Priceless
Yodo Prototype, $6,250
When a woman phoned about some movie memorabilia, the pickers may not have realized how special memorabilia would be to them. She offered the picker an original, authentic Star Wars Yoda Prototype. The duo phoned a man named Mario Chiodo, a creator of protoypes to find out more. After hearing they were looking at one of his creations, Frank and Mike agreed on $6,250 for Yoda.
Yoda Prototype, $6,250
Leather License Plate, $1,000
Back before official government-issued license plates, the government just requested drivers have a number displayed on their cars. These numbers could be engraved into leather, painted or even hung up on a wooden plaque. The pickers found an old leather license plate and knew they needed this unique find! Mike paid $1,000 for it!
Leather License Plate, $1,000
Mike’s Favorite: Giant Boot
Next up, we had to include Mike’s favorite find: a fiberglass cowboy boot from the 40’s. This item was found in Kansas during season two. They bought the 10 foot tall, over 300 lb boot from a man named Johnnie Walker. Mike even bargained the price down to $200, and then the pickers auctioned it off for the charity St. Jude.
Mike’s Favorite Giant Boot
Tether Toy Car, $1,100
If the last was Mike’s favorite, then this may just be our favorite find. The tether toy car has an authentic engine inside. The toy worked by being tethered to a pole, hence the name and then driving in a circle. Amazing enough, the car could travel up to 90, 150 or even 200 mph! Thus, it was a great buy when Mike purchased one car and also two extra bodies for $1,100.
Tether Car Toy, $1,100
Mr. Peanut Roaster
Well, if this gives you any indication of the negotiation process, this episode was called, “A Tough Nut To Crack.” After hard work talking with the owner, Don Johnson, agreed to sell his 1920’s Planter’s Mr. Peanut nut-roasting machine. They settled on $13,000, even though Johnson asked for $16,000.
Mr. Peanut Roaster
Vespa Sign, $450
If you know anything about Mike, you know he always seems to be scouting for Vespa memorabilia. Anyway, on one particular trip to Florida, he found another Vespa collector’s item that sparked his interest. Although, it was not a Vespa bike, this 1980’s Vespa dealer sign struck his fancy. Alas, he negotiated the price to $450 and ended up selling it for double that!
Vespa Sign, $450
Millstone, $2,500
During season three of the show, the pickers got a special assignment from Star Trek icon William Shatner! Shatner asked Frank and Mike to search for an authentic millstone for his personal garden, in addition to decorated a room at his house. Sure enough, they found millstones for Shatner. However, the owner was not coming down from his asking price of $2,500 since he said they usually sell for about a thousand more than that.
Millstone, $2,500
Dollywood Accessories
The gang paid various prices for this next special request. Of course, we had to include Dolly Parton’s appearance on the show. So, the star asked for authentic accessories for her newest amusement park ride at Dollywood. This ride was a 40’s themed FireChaser Express. The crew found gas signs, gasoline pumps and vintage fire extinguishers, which perfectly matched the ride’s theme. In the end, Lauren Wray and Danielle Colby got to visit Dollywood to see how it turned out and even meet Dolly Parton herself!
Dollywood Accessories
Rick Nieslen’s Check Board Guiatar, $0
Probably, the best bargain in the show’s history, the Pickers went home with a Rick Nielsen guitar for free. Yes, the lead guitarist for Cheap Trick let Wolfe and Fritz look around his warehouse full of rock goodies. Once the two spotted the white and black checkerboard guitar, they immediately made offers. However, Nielsen turned them down even for over $2,500! Instead, he gave it to them as a donation to the store if they agreed he could come pay it whenever he visited.
Rick Nielsen’s Check Board Guitar, $0
1960 Cadillac Fleetwood, $9,500
This 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood was found in New Jersey. It was featured on the episode, “Reverse the Curse.” Of course, Wolfe and Fritz could not resist and paid $9,5000 for it, plus another $500 for shipping. However, it looks like it was worth it since it was later appraised for $14,500.
1960 Cadillac Fleetwood, $9,500
David Mann painting, $10,000
Known for his paintings celebrating biker culture, it’s no surprise the Pickers appreciate California artist David Mann’s work. When they came across an authentic painting by Mann, they did not hesitate. So, they paid $5,000 for it, but lucky for them, the painting is valued at $8,000.
David Mann Painting, $10,000
Mickey Rooney’s movie cycle car, $13,000
Perhaps, you remember the 1949 movie, The Big Wheel. Well, if you do, then you may recall Mickey Rooney’s cycle car in the film. When Wolfe and Fritz were at South Dakota’s Pioneer Auto Museum they came across this treasure. The custom cycle car has an I-4 series Indian engine. Thus, Mike did not hesitate to pay $13,000 for it and even test drive it right there and then.
Mickey Rooney’s Movie Cycle Car, $13,000
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air, $21,500
Even though Frank noted its “peanut motor,” he was enamored with the California 1950’s car. He willingly bought it for $21,500 and paid another $1,000 to ship the car. Actually, he valued this custom Chevrolet at $26,500.
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air, $21,500
Ford Bronco U-13 Roadster, $30,000
In southern Indiana, Wolfe and Fritz came across an all-original and mint condition, Ford Bronco U-13 Roadster. Noting its soft top and doors and fairly low mileage of 29,000 clocked miles, they agreed to pay $30,000 and another $1,000 for shipping. However, the car turned out to be worth $36,000, so they made the right choice.
Ford Bronco U-13 Roadster, $30,000
1880s Overman Victor and American Star bicycles, $3,800
Back when Mike was a child, his love and adoration of two-wheeled vehicles began. He even admitted this, “My passion runs deep for bicycles. It was like my first form of independence … I think they’re artistic pieces of Americana.” Therefore, when they were in Wisconsin, he could not resist a pair of bikes from the 1880’s. Mike called the Overman Victor, “the Cadillac of turn-of-the-century bikes.” Thus, he had no problem paying $3,800 for the pair.
1880s Overman Victor And American Star Bicycles, $3,800
Batmobile
Sadly, the Pickers did not go home with this sweet ride. However, they still met the King of Kustomizers and got to sit in the Batmobile! Of course, they did not go home empty handed. They bought another of Barris’ creations, a custom coffin car. Barris and his son designed and built the car, inspired by Dragula from the Munsters show. Frank put up $5,000, but estimated it could be worth double that.
Batmobile
Microcar, $13,000
Honestly, this is just a really cool car. We can totally understand why the Pickers stopped in their tracks when they saw the 1950’s BMW Isetta 300. Wolfe and Fritz desperately wanted it. So, the pair paid $13,000, but later found out it’s worth $18,000!
Microcar, $13,000
Child’s Radar Patrol Bike, $300
Not their most expensive find, but definitely one of the more unique pieces. They found this child’s bike with some of its original paint, and the bike can even still pedal. Sadly, since the bike was in use for more than 60 years, some parts are missing or fell off, like the back lid. Still, the bike was in fairly good condition. Frank agreed to pay $300, and they later sold the bike for $550.
Child’s Radar Patrol Bike, $300
Metal Posts, $160
Now, this buy is pretty hilarious. Who would think metal posts could turn such a profit? Well, when Mike and Frank were in Wisconsin they met with an older hippie looking to sell his stuff. When Mike spotted the two cast iron poles, he offered $160 for them. Actually, since the metal posts were from the turn of the 20th century, they got Mike almost $400.
Metal Posts, $160