Ep 8. Queen Of Fortune

The American Pickers is a reality TV show that follows the adventures of antique collectors and restorers, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, as they travel across America searching for hidden treasures in dusty barns, cluttered garages, and abandoned buildings. In season 17 episode 8, titled Queen of Fortune, Mike and Frank embark on a road trip to California, where they hope to discover some rare and valuable pieces of Americana.

The episode takes place in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the Pickers meet with a woman named Maureen, who has inherited her father's collection of antique slot machines. As an avid collector and restorer herself, Maureen has spent years acquiring and restoring some of the most rare and spectacular slot machines from the golden age of gambling. She is known as the "Queen of Fortune" in the gambling circuit, and her collection is one of the best in the world.

When Mike and Frank arrive at Maureen's house, they are greeted by a dazzling display of vintage slot machines, all restored to their original glory. Maureen takes them on a tour of her collection, pointing out some of her favorites, like the beautiful 1940s Jennings Silver Chief and the massive 1929 Mills Duplex floor machine, which stands nearly eight feet tall.

As they explore Maureen's collection, Mike and Frank are amazed by the beauty and craftsmanship of these antique machines. They learn about the history of each piece, how they were used and where they came from. Maureen tells them stories about her father, who was also an avid collector, and how she inherited his collection after he passed away.

After admiring Maureen's collection, Mike and Frank get down to business. They start negotiating with her, hoping to take some of these rare and valuable machines back to their shop in Iowa. They are especially interested in a rare 1935 Buckley Bones dice machine, which Maureen has been reluctant to part with, as it is one of her father's favorites.

Mike and Frank make an offer for the dice machine, but Maureen is hesitant to let it go. She wants to make sure that it goes to a good home, where it will be appreciated and cared for. Mike and Frank reassure her that they are serious collectors and restorers, and that they will take good care of the machine.

After some more negotiation, Maureen agrees to sell the dice machine, along with several other pieces from her collection. Mike and Frank are thrilled, and they load up their van with the treasures they have acquired. They bid goodbye to Maureen, who is sad to see them go, but happy that her beloved machines will be in good hands.

Back on the road, Mike and Frank reflect on their journey to California. They talk about the great people they have met, the amazing pieces they have found, and the joy of bringing these lost treasures back to life. They look forward to the next leg of their journey, and to the thrill of discovery that lies ahead.

Overall, Queen of Fortune is a fascinating episode that showcases the beauty and history of vintage slot machines. It is a tribute to the collectors and restorers who have dedicated their lives to preserving these valuable pieces of Americana.