Ep 4. The King of Signs

In American Pickers season 23 episode 4, titled "The King of Signs," the hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz embark on another adventure to search for hidden treasures across America. The episode opens with the duo traveling to Brimfield, Massachusetts, for one of the largest antique shows in the world.

As they walk through the crowded fair, Mike expresses his excitement at the prospect of finding unique and rare items. The first stop on their journey is a booth run by an antique dealer named Mark, who claims to have a large collection of vintage signs. Mark takes them to his storage unit, where Frank and Mike are amazed to find an extensive collection of original Coca-Cola signs, neon beer signs, and rare porcelain signs from the early 1900s.

Mike and Frank dive into the collection, examining each sign closely and assessing its value. They strike a deal with Mark to purchase a few of the most valuable signs and move on to the next stop on their journey.

Their next destination is the home of a retired antique dealer named Duane. Duane's love for collecting signs started when he was just a teenager, and he has amassed an impressive collection over the years. Duane has been profiled in various publications for his passion for vintage signs, and they are eager to see his collection firsthand.

Upon arriving at Duane's property, Mike and Frank are surprised to see that his entire backyard is filled with vintage signs. From large neon signs to smaller license plates, Duane's collection is massive. He is proud to show them his favorite pieces, including a giant 1920s porcelain Red Crown gas sign and a beautiful 1940s Mobil Oil Pegasus sign.

As the duo sifts through Duane's collection, they find an impressive 1948 Sinclair gas sign, an original Lucky Strike tobacco sign, and several rare Coca-Cola signs. While some of the signs are in excellent condition, others have seen better days. Frank and Mike are excited by the prospect of restoring these signs and bringing them back to their former glory.

As the day comes to an end, Mike and Frank complete their purchases and head back to the shop. The episode concludes with the duo cleaning and restoring the signs they purchased, highlighting the importance of preserving America's history through antiques.

Overall, American Pickers season 23 episode 4, "The King of Signs," offers a fascinating look at the world of antique sign collecting and the passion that drives collectors to seek out rare and valuable pieces. Mike and Frank's expert eye for hidden treasures and dedication to preserving history make this episode an entertaining and educational watch for anyone interested in antiques.