Ep 25. The Sport of Picking

After traveling across the country for two seasons, the American Pickers team is well aware that picking is more than just a job – it's a lifestyle. In season 2, episode 25, "The Sport of Picking," they explore how competitive the world of antique hunting can truly be.

The episode opens with Mike and Frank in their van, discussing how they may have missed out on a valuable pick due to another picker beating them to the punch. They mention how there are many other antique hunters out there who are just as passionate about picking as they are.

To further illustrate this point, the episode introduces viewers to a variety of different pickers, all with their unique styles and specialties. From an elderly woman who primarily collects vintage clothing to a group of guys who live for finding rare motorbikes, there's no shortage of characters or collections on display.

One such character is a man named "Windmill Willie," who owns an impressive collection of vintage windmills. As Mike and Frank examine his collection, they quickly realize how challenging it can be to find such specialized items. With Windmill Willie being such a well-known collector in the picking community, the prices for his windmills are astronomical, and Mike and Frank know they would have to pay top dollar to add one to their collection.

As the episode progresses, Mike and Frank share their own techniques for beating out the competition. They mention how important it is to build relationships with other pickers and collectors, as sometimes they can offer valuable leads or even sell items at a more reasonable price. They also highlight how crucial it is to constantly be researching and educating themselves on different types of antiques and their values.

In addition to sharing their own strategies, Mike and Frank also highlight how cutthroat the picking world can be. They mention how some collectors will go to great lengths to hide their finds from others, sometimes even storing items in secret locations or disguising them as something else entirely.

The episode also covers the challenges of buying and selling pickings at auction. Mike and Frank attend a motorcycle auction in Orlando, Florida, where they have their eye on a rare 1936 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead. However, with so many other collectors in attendance, the bidding quickly becomes intense, and Mike and Frank are forced to make a decision – keep bidding or drop out and move on to something else.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse into just how competitive and challenging the picking world can be. However, there are also plenty of moments that highlight the camaraderie and friendships that can develop between pickers. Whether it's Mike and Frank sharing a laugh with a fellow collector or Windmill Willie showing off his impressive collection, it's clear that the love of picking can bring people together.

As the episode comes to a close, Mike and Frank reflect on the highs and lows of their picking adventures. They mention how difficult it can be to deal with the disappointment of missing out on a valuable find or losing out at auction. However, they also stress how much they love what they do and how lucky they are to have a job that allows them to pursue their passion.

"The Sport of Picking" is a fascinating look into the world of competitive antique hunting, showcasing the highs and lows of the picking lifestyle while also highlighting the valuable relationships and friendships that can develop between collectors.