American Pickers: Rob Wolfe Navigates Tough Negotiations for Vintage Signs

Mike Wolfe and “Jersey Jon” Return for a New Episode

Mike Wolfe and “Jersey Jon” Szalay are back on the road for the March 8 episode of American Pickers on the History Channel. This time, they’re visiting Susie and Rod’s home in Texas, where they uncover a treasure trove of items that tell a story of passion, craftsmanship, and local history.

Susie’s father was a true jack-of-all-trades who passed away in 2022. He had spent his life collecting and preserving a wide range of items, creating a private museum filled with tools, antiques, instruments, and more. The space was meticulously organized, with each collection having its own section. Mike and Jon were impressed by the care and dedication that went into maintaining this unique archive of local history.

One of the standout pieces was a 1936 Ford truck that Susie’s father restored at the age of 85. It was one of his final projects, and Mike was particularly taken with it. While he didn’t end up purchasing the truck, he found several other valuable items during their visit. Among them was a large studio camera that once sold for $25 in the late 1800s—now worth around $800. Susie wanted to keep this piece because it belonged to the first photographer in Fort Worth.

Mike also picked up a cast iron toy figure and a Lehmann piece, each for $225. They then moved on to the instruments, including a player piano and a roller cob organ. Jon acquired the organ and other cobs for $275, while Mike added a brass industrial light for $85.

Other finds included a Wurlitzer jukebox from 1962 for $450, which Susie’s father couldn’t repair. Jon also discovered a pair of axes, taking one for $75, and Mike picked up a unique umbrella with advertising for $100. He also identified several other antiques like candle stick phones, wall phones, and wooden barrels that he believed would sell well in his store.

Before leaving, Mike revisited the truck. Susie mentioned that her father had paid $16,000 for it before starting the restoration. Although Mike considered offering a similar amount, he ultimately decided to stay with Susie’s original offer.

A Solo Trip in Georgia

Meanwhile, Mike’s brother Rob took a solo trip to meet Bob in Georgia. Bob had been collecting for 50 years, and much of his collection consisted of advertising and signage. He worked for a cable company on power lines and collected items over time. Bob was open to offers on anything, making it an exciting opportunity for Rob.

Rob was particularly drawn to a fishtail Coca-Cola logo signage in good condition. He offered $625, which was half of what Bob had paid. Another big-ticket item was a neon sign that flashed red, white, and blue. Rob thought it might have come from a carnival and initially offered $1,000. After some negotiation, they agreed on Pure Oil Company signs for $800.

Bob also had a Fountain Luncheon sign valued at $3,000, but Rob needed time to consider it. In the garage, Rob came across a Winchester Western sign valued at $2,500. He later found a French sign featuring a character sitting on a keg drinking beer, which he bought for $2,350.

Rob also eyed a Southern Bell sign, but Bob needed to check with his wife Cheryl, who held the final say. She was reluctant to part with a Merita bread sign featuring the Lone Ranger due to sentimental value. Despite the challenge, Rob managed to negotiate the price from $150 up to $500 and even got the chance to explore the house.

Inside, Rob found an old Greyhound clock for $560 and a Pennzoil sign for $575. After further discussions, they reached an agreement on the neon and Coca-Cola signs for $3,700.

This episode highlights how collecting can be both a personal and financial journey. Whether it's a vintage truck, a rare camera, or a quirky sign, each item has a story—and sometimes, a surprising value.

American Pickers airs Sundays at 8/7c on the History Channel.