Ep 9. Ladies Pick

In the American Pickers: Best Of season 2 episode 9 titled "Ladies Pick", the audience gets a peek into the world of female pickers. Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz meet up with Danielle Colby, who is responsible for scouting for new finds for their shop Antique Archaeology. Together, they scour through unique collections owned by some remarkable women who are making waves in the male-dominated field of antique picking.

The first stop is at an all-girls' school in Indiana where they come across an all-female motorcycle crew. The ladies, who call themselves "The Iron Lilies," present their impressive collection of motorcycles, including an extremely rare 1942 Harley Davidson, which Mike is keen to add to his inventory. The girls are unwilling to part with the beauty but offer a deal that Frank and Mike cannot refuse.

The next stop brings them to a farm owned by a group of women who boast an enviable collection of vintage hats. Upon arrival, the hosts are amazed by the vast storage space dedicated to the collection. The women show their prized possessions, which includes hats from famous figures like Jackie Kennedy, Billie Holiday, and Lucille Ball. Every hat has a unique story behind it, and Danielle, in particular, is left awestruck by the beautiful hats often priced unfairly and under-appreciated.

The team then travels to a warehouse in Ohio where they are met by a lovely lady named Lisa. Lisa specializes in picking up rare and unique artifacts from demolished buildings, and her warehouse is packed with treasures that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. Mike, Frank, and Danielle are fascinated by her collection, which includes old chandeliers, lamps, doorknobs, signs, and stained-glass windows, among other things. The team is eventually drawn to an old gas pump, which Frank describes as a "work of art." However, the negotiation doesn't go as smoothly as they expect since Lisa resists giving out a discount.

The last stop is at Pennsylvania where they visit a barn owned by Amy, who has been collecting antiques since she was young. The story that Amy shares stands out since she had to overcome several challenges, including gender biases and the rare disease Lupus. The hosts find a significant collection of country-themed items, including an old country store counter, which is a favorite among collectors. The pickers take their time examining the collection, and while some items are deemed not worthy, the team members eventually come across a unique revolving door from a historic hotel that will make a significant addition to their shop.

Overall, the episode showcases the underestimated value that women bring into the world of picking. The passionate women featured in Ladies Pick remind the audience that picking, like many other professions, should not be limited by one's gender. The females featured in the episode demonstrate the passion, drive, and finesse required for antique picking and show that anyone can succeed with patience, dedication, and authenticity.