Ep 8. Duke of Oil

In season 7 episode 8 of American Pickers titled "Duke of Oil," the dynamic duo of Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz embark on a road trip across America in search of rare and unique antiques. The episode follows their journey through Texas as they hunt for treasures hidden in barns, garages, and abandoned buildings.

Their first stop is at a sprawling estate belonging to a man nicknamed "The Duke of Oil." Mike and Frank are greeted by a sea of rusty old cars, trucks, and motorcycles, many of which are from the early 20th century. The Duke of Oil is a collector of all things mechanical, and he has a soft spot for vintage vehicles.

After some negotiations, Mike and Frank are able to strike a deal with the Duke for a 1936 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead motorcycle. The bike has been in the Duke's possession for years, but it's time to part ways. Mike is ecstatic, as he's been searching for a Knucklehead for years.

Next, the pickers head to a junkyard in search of old signs and other Americana. They stumble upon a rare piece of advertising, a porcelain sign for the Milwaukee Road railway. The sign is in great condition, and it's a valuable addition to their collection. The owner of the junkyard is happy to make a deal, and Mike and Frank leave with smiles on their faces.

The duo then stop at a gas station-turned-antique-store owned by a man with an array of collectibles. Frank spots an old turn-of-the-century bicycle and can't resist taking it for a spin. Mike is more interested in a gas pump from the 1920s. They haggle with the shop owner and make a deal for both items.

Their next stop is at a sprawling ranch, where they meet an elderly couple who have been collecting antiques for decades. The couple is downsizing, and they're ready to part with some of their prized possessions. Mike and Frank are in heaven as they explore the couple's collection, which includes old oil cans, vintage toys, and rare advertising signs.

Among the finds is an early 1900s Caille upright slot machine. The machine is a rare piece, and Mike and Frank are thrilled to add it to their collection. They also come across an old Sinclair Oil sign, which is a valuable piece of advertising. After some negotiations, they strike a deal with the couple, leaving with a truckload of treasures.

The final stop on their Texas trip is at an old service station in a small town. The owner is known for his vast collection of vintage gas pumps. Mike and Frank are greeted by a sea of pumps from the likes of Texaco, Gulf, and Sinclair. They're amazed by the number of pumps, and they spend hours exploring the collection.

Among the finds is a rare Gilbarco air meter. The meter is in great condition, and it's a valuable piece for any collector. They also come across a late 1800s St. Louis cash register, which is a unique addition to their collection. After some negotiations, they make a deal and head off into the sunset.

Overall, the Duke of Oil episode is a thrilling adventure through the Lone Star State. Fans of the show will love watching as Mike and Frank unearth rare treasures and negotiate deals with collectors across the state. From vintage motorcycles to antique gas pumps, this episode is a must-see for any fan of American Pickers.