Secrets of Antique Archaeology & Mike Woolf from American Pickers Revealed

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It is never easy to be a picker. The term technically is defined as someone who picks a specific item out of a group. He is expected to find something of value out of a stack of things. Mike Wolfe had now put an interesting twist to the job. In the show American Pickers, Mike Wolfe hosts it as he travels the different parts of the United States in the search for an interesting antique find. He then cleans and restores the item and places them on display for antique lovers to choose from and purchase via Antique Archaeology.

Mike Wolfe seemed to have developed a knack for placing value on what many might consider junk. He restores the old items and considers them archaeological finds that adds to its value and entice prospective customers. It is similar to old pasta being re-heated and served as a brand new meal on the table.

The store, Antique Archaeology is located in Le Claire, Iowa where the Mississippi River can be seen. It was an old fabrication shop before and is now transformed into a showroom where the top picks of Wolfe’s hunt for antiques and archaeological finds are set up for display. It serves as the main hall of Mike’s business as people who are looking for top finds can also bid and make offers for them.

 The items that Mike has which are up for sale vary in genre and kind.  They come in all shapes and sizes but have one thing in common: they are old.  Or at least, they used to.  Mike’s finds can vary from an old signboard to a jukebox.  He cleans them, makes them work again and puts them up for sale.  What can catch the eye though, is his collection of bikes.  He was able to get a hold of different bikes from different years where some even date back to about the 1800’s.  His collection boasts of 1880’s Childs Tricycle, 18885 Victor, 1905 Imperial and so on until his gems started too add up with some Harley Davidson-s that can be traced from 1912.

Mike’s collection of bikes is not just left as rare finds to consider.  He also works on restoring them and can even show off riding those just to show off that they are in perfect working conditions.  The Antique Archaeology picker prides himself of getting his first bike at 13 years of age and was the one who restored it. Now his collection dates back to a 1912 Harley Davidson and also has Indian Racers and newer versions of Harley from around 1940’s and so on.

Like all other businesses too, Antique Archaeology is not all vintage collection. Its website also sells American picker’s memorabilia items that fans can take advantage of. There are different headgears or “headwear” as the site terms it that showcases different headgears that Mike Wolfe uses on his picking trips. It also has tee shirts in different designs and colors that would best fit for an outdoor type of job. If one will closely observe the colors of the tee shirts offered in the website are ranging from black to gray, just perfect for going outdoors and rummaging through old items in others’ yards and attics. Only 2 items stand out as they were design with light colors, it is the I Pick America Tee and the Premium Long Sleeve Thermal Tee which comes in both white and blue. The prices range from $18 to around $38 depending on the size. Antique Archaeology also sells similar outfits worn by Mike Wolf to pick such as gloves and keyrings. Ladies apparel are also available together with hoodies and jackets. Currently, the website is selling off exclusive fall collection items and those that are uniquely Antique Archaeology – designed items for fans.

Mike Wolfe spearheads the show American Pickers with Frank Fritz and Danielle Colby Cushman where they are featured hunting for different items that are valuable to a native American. Together, they hunt for anything and everything that defines the American heritage. The group is driven by the belief that each pick has its own story to tell about the past. They rummage through the backyards of different people, asking permission and convincing them to sell off or give away the picks. The show has proven how items that are usually taken for granted are still considered significant as it tells us of the American history from the perspective of the ordinary citizens.