Staff from the popular reality show “American Pickers” are planning a trip to Maine in the near future and want to know what treasures may be hidden away in attics, garages and barns throughout the state.
“The ‘American Pickers’ crew are headed to Maine sometime in the next couple of months. We’re looking for leads throughout the state, specifically interesting characters with interesting items and lots of them,” said Junior Gauthier, associate producer of “American Pickers 6.”
The show, which airs on the History Channel, follows Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they travel the country in search of antiques and collectibles. Wolfe and Fritz are the co-founders of Antique Archaeology, a traveling antiques company with locations in LeClaire, Iowa and Nashville, Tenn.
“Cineflix Inc. produces the documentary series, which explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking.’ The fourth season premiered in December 2011 on the History Channel,” he said.
The series gives viewers an idea of what is considered a collectible, with the stars offering tips on how to tell if something is valuable or not.
“The high-profile show follows two of the most skilled pickers in the business, Mike and Frank, as they embark on an epic road trip across the U.S. The show offers a fascinating insight into what it’s like to be the men on the ground who are on the frontlines of the antique industry,” said Gauthier.
He said the show follows the pair in their truck “as they go on a mission in search of America’s most fascinating and valuable antiques — treasures that have been long forgotten in junkyards and barns across the country.”
As the saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” with the current market playing a big role in whether an item is considered ‘trash’ or ‘treasure.’
Gauthier said half the fun is the people they meet along the way.
He said the more people they hear from, the bigger the chance the show will make it to northern Maine.
“We’d love to spread the word as much as possible. Frank and Mike are always on the hunt for rusty gold, and they want to hear from you. If you have a large collection you think is worth the pick and want to appear on ‘American Pickers,’ now’s your chance,” said Gauthier.
Gauthier said to be considered, you must email: AmericanPickers@Cineflix.com.
“Mike and Frank only pick from private collections, so please, no stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses or anything open to the public,” said Gauthier.
Gauthier said they’re currently not looking for farming/agricultural items, tools, glassware, appliances, tractors, crocks, stoves or country primitives. The following is a list of items they are looking to buy: motor scooters; Vespas, Lambretta, Cushman; vintage motorcycles; bicycles (1940s or earlier); unusual radios: transistor/tabletop; old toys: tin, wind-up, cast iron; pre-’50s vending machines; pinball and slot machines; old movie posters; antique casino/gaming machines; vintage movie memorabilia; vintage advertising items; taxidermy; vintage concert posters and T-shirts; early Boy Scout items; pre-’60s vintage diner collectibles; pre-’60s TV merchandise; pre-’50s western/equestrian gear; classic motorcycle memorabilia; old rodeo items; airline collectibles; Pan-Am, TWC, etc.; late ‘70s and earlier military items; bizarre mobster memorabilia; vintage police officer collectibles; pre-’40s telephones; folk art; vintage BB guns/cap guns; early Halloween items; Hawaiiana/Tiki collectibles; vintage election memorabilia; musical instruments; Civil War antiques; vintage gas pumps; pre-’70s old neon signs; strange woodcarvings; and vintage collegiate collectibles.
For more information, email AmericanPickers@Cineflix.com or call 646-493-2184.
