Ep 1. A Colonel of Truth

On season 15 episode 1 of American Pickers, titled "A Colonel of Truth," the fun-loving duo of Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz embark on yet another road trip to find the rarest treasures buried deep in small towns across America.

The episode begins with Mike and Frank driving down a dirt road, discussing their upcoming picks. They recall some of their most memorable discoveries, including the time they found a Knucklehead motorcycle underneath junk in a barn. As they drive, they take note of the beautiful landscape around them, pointing out a tall and oddly shaped water tower in the distance. Frank jokes that they should go pick that, too.

Once they arrive at their destination, Mike and Frank meet with a collector named Colonel Derby, a retired army veteran whose passion for history goes beyond his decorated military career. Colonel Derby has an impressive collection of military memorabilia and antiques, including a rare Civil War gun that he's had in his family for generations. He shows Mike and Frank his impressive arsenal of guns, bayonets, and swords, but what catches their eye are the vintage posters and propaganda material that Colonel has amassed.

While examining the posters, Mike and Fritz are stunned by the impact they had on the American psyche during the first and second world wars. Colonel explains the significance of each item, and the historical context behind them. As they look through the collection, the pair are blown away by the quality and condition of the pieces, and they express their desire to take a few items off his hands.

However, Colonel Derby is hesitant to part with his beloved treasures, but he admires their enthusiasm and agrees to sell them a few pieces, providing they behave themselves and show proper respect to the artwork. As part of the deal, Mike and Frank host a charity auction for Colonel and his friends to raise money for one of their favorite veteran’s charities.

With the sale completed, Mike and Frank are free to hit the road and explore other picking opportunities. They drive to a small town in Illinois, where they've heard about a hidden gem of antiques. Their approach to the property owner is unorthodox, dressing up as plumber and repairing a leaky pipe just to get a closer look.

What they find is a remarkable collection of toys from the 1920s and 30s, including a vintage bicycle and a Radio Flyer wagon in excellent condition. Excited at the prospect of making a score, the two haggle with the owner to get a fair price and add the toys to their haul.

After leaving Illinois, the duo hit the road again, heading to Iowa to investigate a rumor about an old farmer who could have valuable treasures he'd like to sell. They scan the rustic farm for potential pickings, only to find that the farmer has already sold the vast majority of his earthly possessions.

Luckily, the farmer does have a few things up for grabs, including a classic Indian motorcycle. When they see the bike tucked away in the barn, the guys can barely contain their excitement. The motorcycle is rare and in near-perfect condition, making it a significant find.

Overall, the episode is full of excitement, humor, and heart. The two pickers travel through beautiful country scenery, meet interesting characters, and discover fascinating and rare items along the way. Fans of the show will love the latest installment of American Pickers as Mike and Frank continue their hunt for the best antiques and collectibles across America.