Ep 1. Art of the Deal

In American Pickers season 2 episode 1, titled "Art of the Deal," the hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz embark on their quest to find the most valuable historical artifacts across the United States. The episode follows the duo as they scour through various antique shops, barns, and attics in search of their next big find.

At the start of the episode, Mike and Frank are in a small town in rural Michigan, where they are greeted by a local art dealer who claims to own a collection of rare and valuable paintings. Intrigued by the opportunity to unearth hidden gems, the two pickers set off to meet the dealer and see if they can strike a deal.

As they arrive at the art dealer's studio, Mike and Frank are greeted by a vast array of stunning art pieces, ranging from classical oil portraits to contemporary pop art. The two are immediately drawn to a particular painting that catches their eye, an abstract piece by a renowned artist from the 1960s.

The art dealer informs Mike and Frank that the painting is worth a staggering $10,000, a price tag that initially shocks the pickers. However, after some haggling and negotiating, the two pickers manage to strike a deal with the dealer, ultimately acquiring the painting for a significantly lower price.

From there, Mike and Frank continue their search for more valuable artifacts, traveling across several states in search of the next big find. During their travels, the pickers come across a fascinating collection of vintage toys, rare automotive memorabilia, and antique advertising signs, all of which they hope to acquire and add to their growing collection.

One of the standout moments in "Art of the Deal" occurs when the pickers visit a large collection of vintage vending machines in a small town in Nebraska. The owner of the collection has amassed an impressive assortment of old-fashioned soda machines, candy dispensers, and gumball machines, all of which are in pristine condition.

In an effort to secure the vending machines, Mike and Frank attempt to persuade the collector to part with some of his prized possessions. However, the collector proves to be a tough negotiator, declining their initial offer and holding firm on his price.

Despite the setback, Mike and Frank remain determined to add the vending machines to their collection. Eventually, they manage to strike a deal with the collector, securing a handful of the machines and continuing their travels across the country.

As the episode comes to a close, Mike and Frank reflect on their journey thus far, discussing the highs and lows of their business and the importance of building relationships with collectors and dealers across the country. "Art of the Deal" is a thrilling installment in the American Pickers series, showcasing the dedication and passion of two seasoned pickers in their search for valuable historical items.