Ep 11. Bonnie, Clyde and the King

In season 10 episode 11 of American Pickers, titled "Bonnie, Clyde and the King," Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz continue their travels across America to find valuable antiques and collectibles. The duo's search takes them to Kentucky, where they aim to uncover some hidden treasures.

The episode begins with Mike and Frank visiting a former trading post. They come across several interesting items, including an old cigar box owned by Elvis Presley. They learn that the trading post was once owned by a man named Tom, who claims to have known both Elvis and Johnny Cash. Tom shows the duo some rare collectibles related to the two legends, which he has kept carefully preserved over time. Mike and Frank are impressed and eager to make a deal.

Next, the pickers visit the home of a collector named Rick, who has a vast selection of vintage toys, including a pair of antique toy cars and a working model train. Rick is hard to negotiate with, but Mike and Frank persist, hoping to strike a good deal. They finally make a trade, much to Rick's reluctance.

The pickers then head to Bowling Green, where they find a Chevrolet dealer who has a collection of cars from the 1930s. They particularly take interest in a 1936 Chevy that Frank is eager to buy. The owner, however, is more interested in selling a 1933 Chevy that belonged to Clyde Barrow, the notorious outlaw who, along with Bonnie Parker, went on a crime spree during the Great Depression. Mike and Frank are hesitant at first, but eventually decide to take a chance on the car's historical significance.

Finally, the pickers visit a woman named Lora who owns a unique collection of civil rights memorabilia. She shows Mike and Frank several items, including a lunch counter stool that was used during the sit-ins of the 1960s. Lora is very passionate about preserving history, and the pickers are moved by her collection's poignant reminder of the country's struggle for equality.

Throughout the episode, Mike and Frank are on the hunt for items that have historical or cultural significance. The show highlights the importance of preserving valuable antiques and collectibles, many of which are disappearing with time. The episode showcases Mike and Frank's knowledge of antiques, their negotiating skills, and their ability to connect with people from different backgrounds.

Overall, "Bonnie, Clyde and the King" is an interesting and entertaining episode of American Pickers, providing a peek into America's vast array of historical and cultural artifacts. It highlights the value of preserving our past, and the importance of recognizing the significance of everyday objects.