Ep 26. The Wizard's Castle

In season 23 episode 26 of American Pickers, titled "The Wizard's Castle," antique experts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz embark on another thrilling adventure across America, searching for hidden treasures and rare collectibles.

The episode opens with Mike and Frank exploring a unique property owned by a retired engineer, Sherman. He has converted his castle into a massive collection of antique treasures, with countless rooms full of vintage items, and multiple barns overflowing with machinery and equipment of various kinds.

As they explore the extensive collection, Mike and Frank come across a diverse range of impressive items, from old signage to military memorabilia, vintage bicycles to rare musical instruments. They even find a rare steam car, which Sherman has been restoring for years.

However, as they delve deeper into the castle, they realize that the sheer number of items and the extent of clutter are making it challenging to navigate the space. Despite this obstacle, the duo persists in their search and manages to uncover many unique items hidden within the maze of antiques.

At one point, the team discovers an old fortune-telling machine, which they think could be vintage and valuable. They enlist the help of a specialist to examine the machine and determine its worth.

As they continue their exploration of the castle, the team learns more about Sherman's background and history, and how he came to accumulate such an extensive collection of antiques. They also find out why Sherman has decided to sell some of his beloved possessions and part ways with the castle.

Throughout the episode, Mike and Frank's expertise and passion for antiques are on full display. They are constantly evaluating each item's value and rarity, providing insight into the history behind each artifact, and offering guidance and advice to Sherman as he attempts to downsize his collection.

Overall, "The Wizard's Castle" is a captivating episode that combines adventure, history, and antiques in a thrilling and informative manner. With plenty of surprises and discoveries along the way, it showcases the expertise and passion of the American Pickers team, as they journey to uncover hidden treasures and rare collectibles.