Ep 4. Oddities & Commodities

In this episode of American Pickers, entitled "Oddities & Commodities," viewers are taken along on a fascinating journey as the show's hosts, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, travel through rural America in search of rare and interesting finds. The episode begins as the pair visits a large, dusty warehouse in the small town of Elgin, Illinois, which is filled to the brim with all kinds of oddities and curiosities.

Mike and Frank are immediately drawn to a collection of carnival memorabilia, including a rare, antique Ferris wheel car that they determine is worth a considerable sum of money. They also come across a large collection of vintage arcade machines, including a classic Skee-ball machine that Frank is particularly interested in purchasing.

Moving on from the carnival-themed warehouse, the pair visit a nearby farm where they come across a unique and valuable collection of antique tractors and farming equipment. They meet the farm's owner, who is a passionate collector of vintage tractors and has spent many years gathering a truly impressive collection.

Mike and Frank are both fascinated by the collection and quickly realize that the farmer has an impressive knowledge of antique farming equipment. They spend some time exploring the collection and learning about the history of each piece, before finally making a deal to purchase a rare, early 20th-century McCormick-Deering tractor.

Continuing their journey through rural America, the hosts also visit a small-town general store that has been in operation for over a century. Here, they come across a unique collection of advertising memorabilia, including vintage Coca-Cola signs and Budweiser steins.

As they explore the store, Mike and Frank learn about the history of the town and the importance of the general store to the community. They also meet the store's owner, an elderly woman who recounts stories of the store's early days and the changes she has seen in the community over the years.

The final stop on their journey takes the hosts to a sprawling farm in southern Kansas, where they meet a quirky collector who has amassed an enormous collection of vintage bicycles and bicycle parts. Mike and Frank are both impressed by the collection and spend several hours exploring the various sheds and buildings on the property.

As they sift through the piles of old parts and pieces, the hosts chat with the collector and learn about his passion for all things bicycle-related. They also come across several rare, antique bicycles, including a unique penny-farthing and a classic Schwinn Stingray.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a fascinating look at the world of American antiques and collectibles, as well as a glimpse into the lives of the people who collect and sell these unique items. With its blend of history, humor, and adventure, "Oddities & Commodities" is an engaging and entertaining episode of American Pickers that is sure to delight fans of the show and newcomers alike.