Ep 11. Frank Flips

In season 2 episode 11 of American Pickers, titled "Frank Flips," antique experts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz set out on a new adventure in their search for unique and valuable finds. The episode begins with the duo traveling through the picturesque countryside of Indiana, scouring old barns and dusty attics for forgotten treasures.

Their first stop is at the home of a retired firefighter named Tom, who has amassed an impressive collection of firemen memorabilia over the years. As they peruse his collection, Mike and Frank are drawn to a vintage firetruck, but they'll have to summon all their negotiating skills to make a deal with Tom.

Next, the pickers head to the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the annual Indy 1500 Gun & Knife Show. Mike and Frank are on the lookout for rare firearms and other historical artifacts, and they find no shortage of interesting items at this massive event. However, the dealers they meet are a tough crowd, and negotiations quickly become heated.

The real highlight of the episode comes when Frank sets out on his own to "flip" some items on his own. We get a rare glimpse into Frank's personal life as we see him visit his home in LeClaire, Iowa, and meet up with his longtime friend and fellow picker, Dave. Together, they hit up a few garage sales and auctions, looking for items they can buy cheap and resell for a profit.

Their first stop is a garage sale where they take a liking to a vintage chainsaw. Frank and Dave know that these are often popular among collectors, so they decide to take a chance and buy it for $30. Next, they attend an auction where they spot a large collection of antique fishing gear. Frank has been in the antique business for years and knows that items like these can be worth a lot of money, so he wagers big on this one.

The final stop on Frank's flipping adventure is at a local flea market, where he hopes to make one final score before heading back to Indiana. The pickers initially struggle to find anything of real value, but just when it seems like their luck has run out, they stumble upon a vendor selling antique license plates. They quickly realize that some of these plates are extremely rare and could be worth a fortune to the right collector.

Throughout the episode, we see Frank's skills as a picker really shine through. He has an eye for valuable items that others might overlook, and his experience in the business allows him to make quick, informed decisions on what to buy and how much to pay for it. Meanwhile, Mike takes a backseat in this episode, allowing Frank to take the lead and showcase his flipping skills.

Overall, season 2 episode 11 of American Pickers is a must-watch for anyone interested in antiques and vintage collectibles. The episode provides a fascinating look into the daily lives of professional pickers and highlights the skills and knowledge required to make it in this highly competitive business. With plenty of suspenseful negotiations and exciting discoveries, "Frank Flips" is a real thrill ride that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.