Ep 11. Mad as a Picker

In American Pickers season 11 episode 11, titled "Mad as a Picker," hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz embark on their latest antique-hunting adventure through the American South. The episode follows the duo as they visit collectors' homes and businesses to uncover hidden treasures that they can purchase and resell for a profit.

Mike and Frank start their journey in Alabama, where they visit a collector who claims to have one of the largest private collections of vintage toys in the country. The guys are excited to see what he has in store for them, but they quickly realize that the collector is not easy to negotiate with. He is attached to his possessions and reluctant to part with them, which frustrates Mike and Frank.

Despite the collector's stubbornness, Mike and Frank manage to strike a deal for a few items that catch their eye, including an antique model train set and a rare Mickey Mouse doll. However, they leave the house feeling like they missed out on a lot of great finds.

Next, the guys travel to Mississippi to visit a retired auctioneer who has turned his home into a museum of sorts for vintage Americana. The man's collection includes old gas pumps, advertising signs, and folk art, among other things. Mike and Frank are blown away by the sheer volume and quality of the collection, and they both can't wait to start making deals.

The auctioneer proves to be a shrewd businessman, and he haggles with the guys over every item they express interest in. Mike and Frank end up spending hours negotiating with him, but they eventually leave with a sizeable haul of vintage signs and other memorabilia.

The final stop on their trip takes them to Louisiana, where they visit a retired musician who has amassed an impressive collection of instruments and music memorabilia over the years. Mike and Frank are excited to see what kinds of rare items he has for sale, and they're not disappointed.

The musician has everything from antique mandolins to vintage microphones, and he's willing to part with a lot of it. Mike and Frank are especially drawn to a rare guitar once owned by a famous blues musician, and they negotiate with the collector for hours to try and get a fair price.

By the end of the episode, Mike and Frank have acquired a wide variety of vintage items, including toys, signs, musical instruments, and more. However, they've also learned that negotiating with collectors can be a tricky and sometimes frustrating process. Despite the challenges, they're already looking forward to their next adventure on the road.