AMERICAN Pickers star Mike Wolfe was stunned when he discovered a circus ringleader’s posters left untouched for 80 years.
The surprising moment was featured in Monday’s episode of the History Channel show.
While talking to a former circus ringleader named Jim, the 57-year-old happily purchased a number of posters from the decades Jim worked in the circus industry.
One large colorful poster captured a woman riding an elephant, while another large poster for Kelly Miller Circus featured a giraffe drawing.
The American Pickers star later raved about a poster that featured an angry gorilla, which Jim shared was worth up to $3,000 in mint condition.
As the men continued to look through Jim’s poster collection, Mike said in a voiceover: “Jim went from being a fan in the audience to somebody onstage to somebody backstage and then owning his own circus.”
Mike told Jim that he’s “seen all facets of the industry,” while the former ringleader replied: “You have to be totally independent of any other sourcing around you where you are.”
Later in the segment, Mike struggled to justify buying a poster due to its large size as he feared he wouldn’t be able to mount it.
While discussing the poster, Mike said it was “unbelievable” and praised it’s “simple, powerful graphic.”
Despite his hesitations, Mike eventually chose to buy the poster- which featured a large graphic of an angry cheetah on a green backdrop- for $350.
FRANK'S BACK?
The recent American Pickers episode also featured rare throwback clips of former star Frank Fritz, 55.
Mike recalled meeting legendary sideshow act Ward Hall with Frank during a 2013 episode of the History Channel show.
As Mike raved about Ward’s knowledge of the circus industry, clips played of him and Mike looking through Ward’s belongings.
While Frank did not talk in the flashback scene, he nodded his head as Ward recalled what admission prices used to be for his circus events.
FRANK'S FIRING
Frank's quick appearance on the new episode came after he was fired from the show.
The 55-year-old last appeared on the show during a March 2020 episode.
He had taken some time off to recover from back surgery, which left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.
During his time off from the show, Frank lost about 65 pounds and has been living a healthier lifestyle as he's become sober from alcohol.
He previously told The Sun that he entered rehab for his alcohol addiction in Iowa for 77 days.
Additionally, Frank told The Sun he was now hoping for his own spinoff show since being let go from American Pickers.
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Following weeks of speculation that Frank had been fired, Mike confirmed his former co-host would not be returning to the show in an Instagram post in July.
American Pickers continues to star Mike and Danielle Colby, 45, while Mike's brother Robbie has appeared in numerous recent episodes and seems to have replaced Frank.
FUEDING COSTARS
The TV host's firing was allegedly due to his feud with Mike.
Speaking to The Sun about their falling out, Frank said: “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years. He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.
"The show is tilted towards him 1,000 percent. I can’t even bend that far down to show you how much.
"That’s fine. It’s like you’ve got Aerosmith and there’s Steven Tyler and he’s the front man. I found my spot, I’m second and he’s number one on the show. That’s no problem with me, maybe he does have a problem."
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