AMERICAN Pickers star Mike Wolfe has marked up a 1947 pinball machine by 115 percent after claims from customers that his antiques are “overpriced.”
Mike, 60, stars on American Pickers, where he travels across the country to find antiques to sell in his Le Claire, Iowa and Nashville, Tennessee stores.
7
7
Mike has recently come under fire from his Antique Archaeology customers for pricing items too high at both locations.
The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal the high markups and the hefty profit Mike is set to score.
On an episode of American Pickers, Mike offered $700 for a 1947 Humpty Pinball Machine.
He said on the show, “In 1947, this machine came out and introduced the flipper. Not just two, but six. The subject matter is interesting, it’s Humpty Dumpty, but the adult version of that.
Read more on American Pickers
“What would be expected is peeling, you know, pretty aggressively through here. But overall, I mean… It’s not bad.”
Mike then admitted the value of the machine isn’t much.
“The historic value of this machine outweighs the actual value. When you think of how pivotal this machine was for collectors, as far as the evolution of pinball… this machine doesn’t command a lot of money.
“But still, this is the great-great-grandpappy of pinball wizard.”
Mike offered $700, as the collector responded with $750.
They ultimately agreed to keep the price at $700.
In January, Antique Archaeology added the antique to their Le Claire, Iowa store with a price of $1,500.
This is a 115 percent mark up.
The machine has been restored and is in better condition from when Mike purchased it on the episode.
Fans were shocked over the price, as they even believed the offer of $700 to the seller was too high.
One fan wrote on social media, “When he said $700 my jaw hit the floor. In great condition it’s only worth about $700.”
A second commented, “Got ripped, back glass is roached, cabinet repainted and woodrails are not desirable. I wouldn’t have paid $50 and I’ve been in the hobby for decades.”
A third replied, “As a pinball collector $700 was a great deal for the seller. That game is hammered and has a painted cabinet.”
After going on sale in January 2025, the item remains available for purchase today.
The U.S. Sun can also reveal another item that has been heavily marked up.
Mike bought a Royal Crown Scale for $3,200 that came from Jeff Storck’s collection in Virginia and is the biggest scale pick of the series.
Mike has the item listed in his Le Claire, Iowa store for $4,500, a 40 percent increase.
7
7
7
EXPENSIVE PICKS
The U.S. Sun previously reported customers of Mike’s Iowa antique store criticized the shop for its overpriced items.
One customer wrote, “Place is way overrated and overpriced… Highly recommended to stay away from this place.”
A second fumed, “Overpriced items they found at estate sales that they dust off and then charge 3x the price. And that’s most stores…”
A third commented, “Super fun place!!! We arrived six minutes before close and the two ladies were in no hurry to move us along. If you are a fan of the show you will see many items that have been on the show.
“It is interesting the price picked is way different than their sale price. Of course they need to make a profit but jeepers. Ended up buying some stuff but wished I could have bought more. Great place to shop and some unique items. Go!”
INSIDE ANTIQUE ARCHAEOLOGY
The U.S. Sun obtained exclusive photos of the store’s most expensive items.
In addition to a Royal Crown Scale for $4,500, a Dr. Pepper cooler is $2,700.
A Drink Uptown sign hung on the wall of the store is $1,800.
A dog statue could run a customer $900.
A Whippet Motor Oil Can is $595. Similar cans being sold online go for just $175.
Mike has also faced similar criticism with his Nashville, Tennessee store over the price of the items.
SHOW STRUGGLE
Mike’s high prices come as American Pickers has struggled with low ratings for Season 26.
The October 9 premiere had 565,000 viewers tune in as Mike picked through Evel Knievel memorabilia.
The finale on January 15 was the second highest-rated episode of the season with 708,000 viewers.
The highest-rated episode reached 760,000 viewers on December 18.
DIY Delorean on October 30 had the lowest ratings of the season with just 442,000 viewers.
Ratings were over one million viewers when fan-favorite co-star Frank Fritz was on the series.
Frank died on September 30, 2024 at age 60, two years after he suffered a debilitating stroke.
Frank last appeared on American Pickers in March 2020.
The U.S. Sun reported in May 2024 that the series has three more seasons left in its contract.
The show began filming new episodes in February 2025.
Mike Wolfe’s businesses
Mike Wolfe has created a business empire featuring real estate, antique stores, and more.
OTHER BUSINESSES
In addition to the stores, Mike is the owner of multiple businesses and landlord of properties.
The Iowa antique store is across the street from his new vacation rental Two Lanes Guesthouse.
The home will be available for rent in April after a months-long delay.
He also has a rental in Columbia, Tennessee near his bike shop Columbia Motor Alley.
7
7
