RECYCLING AMERICA
Meet The American Pickers
Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz
Article and photos by: Vernon & TT Schwart vernon@hawgstock.com
In January the History channel debuted a new series called “American Pickers”. The 10 episode first season is about two guys from Le Claire, Iowa that look for what they call “treasure”. An opportunity came up to chat with these two, and it turned out to be quite an experience. Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz from Antique Archeology are two of the most down to earth and real people that you could ever meet. These guys know exactly who they are, and where they are going. Very personable and interesting to talk with and listen to. Both guys even ride motorcycles! Mike likes to run around on an old Indian Chief, an old Harley Knucklehead, or even the Harley VL. Frank has about 25 bikes in his personal collection. Frank bought his first motorcycle when he was in ninth grade, a 1959 Harley Sportster that he still has to this day. Both guys even get a kick out of running around town on scooters, anything on two wheels. Frank is also a big supporter of ABATE of Iowa, and has attended nearly all of the Freedom Rallies. If you are ever in Le Claire, stop by and meet them, you won’t be disappointed. Their business is not a traditional antique dealership, and they are not antique dealers per se, but more treasure hunters. They are referred to as “pickers”. They are the people behind the scenes that find interesting items in old barns, garages, and wherever they are hiding.
Their business is based on finding lost treasures, and bringing them back to life with the stories and history of unique items. Many antiques have been found, valued, and sought after, but Mike and Frank are looking for the interesting items that most people would walk past. Things that are too cool to go into the landfill and that someone can love and appreciate once again. Recycling items back into circulation that have been forgotten is their main goal. In the process of finding these lost treasures, they have fun talking, learning, and seeing beautiful America. During the interview, there was much discussion about the background of multiple items, so it is as much about the history of the item and the find, as the item itself. This history is then passed on to the buyers to in essence keep history alive. Items can be bought from their shop or website, and even some famous bike builders like Billy Lane and Jesse James have made purchases from the duo.
These guys run a business to make a buck or two, but their opinions on what they pick, and what they do with it is refreshing in this day and age. When discussing with them the value of items that they pick and purchase, there are some various opinions of how to value their finds. On one episode they picked a beautiful old jukebox and paid $1,300 for it. When they got it back to the shop, the item was looked at by a person with more knowledge in this arena, and the jukebox was valued at up to $5,000. The guys thought this was a great find, but in reality, they had no immediate offers anywhere near that amount, and ended up selling the item for $1,900. They both advised to be wary of any appraisal of antiques and memorabilia. The items are only worth what a buyer is willing to pay, and the amount a seller is willing to accept. Some may have held out for more money on the jukebox, but Mike and Frank thought that $1,900 was a fair price. This amount covered expenses, and made a few dollars for them, and the new owner was happy with the buy and would appreciate the “recycled” jukebox. One of the first questions that comes to mind is how do they find this stuff? The answer to that question is from submitted leads, and then simply from freestyle picking, as they call it. People can call or email them to offer leads, or in their travels if they see a place where treasures may be found, they may stop to ask permission to do some picking. Freestyle picking is simply looking for places that may hide treasures, and stopping by to meet people, and ask for permission to take a look. They gain great joy from the “thrill of the chase” in trying to find items that are unique, as well as meeting the people. The area that they cover can only be limited by the imagination. They have been in most states picking, and even a little bit in Canada. They will soon start filming season two which includes 26 more episodes, and they will be all over the Midwest and many other places. What happens to items after picking was another topic of discussion that led to some debate. Many of the items that are picked are coming right out of barns, sheds, garages, and who knows where. Sometimes the items are not the cleanest thing in the world, and the pair had some debate about what to do with the items. The interaction of these two is amusing on so many levels, and they just seem to fit and complement each other. Mike takes the minimalistic approach, and knocks off the droppings, dusts off the item, and does a basic clean up. Frank on the other hand will spend hours cleaning up an item, or if it is a mechanical item, will make sure that it works. He said that he likes the extra challenge of finding, fixing, and then passing on to a happy customer a working artifact of history. He may spend one half of a day cleaning or working on an item just to get an extra $10. For the most part though, cleaning is the only thing that is done to found items. Not much for refurbishing is ever performed, so that the new owner can do what they choose with it. The customer can decide to redo it, or leave it in original condition. Value wise on items it depends on what it is as to how refurbishing or leaving original will affect the value. Looking around the shop, you can see these guys are also into motorcycles and riding. Mike started out picking by looking for and finding old motorcycles that were on the wanted list. His searching has since expanded to include many other items, but motorcycles will always be a love for Mike. One of the best motorcycle finds he has picked was a 1939 Harley Davidson Knucklehead. Mike’s dream find for a bike would be a Blackhawk or a Torpedo, because of the local Midwest connection with those bikes, and that they are not anywhere to be found. Other motorcycle items that Mike likes to find and sometimes keep for himself is anything Harley Knucklehead related, old motorcycle racing items, and anything from the pre 1920 motorcycle era. Frank would like to find a 1936 Knucklehead as his dream find. He is also a big fan of the 1970s and anything old chopper related like sissy bars, king/queen seats, Z-bars, and anything that made a 70s chopper what it was. Frank also likes unique old motorcycle trophies and personally has quite a collection of them as well as motorcycle toys. Frank also shows his commitment to motorcycling with his dedication to ABATE of Iowa. He has attended almost every Freedom Rally ever held, and is a large supporter of motorcyclist rights and rider education. From scooters to Honda choppers, to his first Sportster, to his full dresser, Frank is about riding and the motorcycle lifestyle. The American Pickers can be found in Le Claire, Iowa, just a couple miles north of Davenport. Their shop name is Antique Archeology and is right behind the BP gas station on Highway 67 right in Le Claire. The phone number to reach them is 563-289-1530 and websites are http://www.antiquearcheology.com for the shop, and www.frankfritzfinds.com for Franks own website. So if you are looking for something from the show, have an idea on where they can do some picking, or just want to check out their cool websites, look them up.