American Pickers Looking For Treasure In Virginia

Virginia collectors with an attic or garage full of antiques have a chance to clear out some space, earn some cash and be on TV. The History Channel's documentary series "American Pickers" wants to see and film your treasures in Virginia this spring. Show hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz will dig through barns, storage sheds and houses across the state for collectibles and vintage items that may have been discarded as junk, according to the show's producers.

The show, which airs at 9 p.m. ET on Mondays, features the hoarders or collectors whom Wolfe and Fritz meet along the way. Some stops are planned in advance, or sometimes the guys just drop in on interesting properties when old vehicles or signs catch their eye. The show says that when they have enough stops lined up, the guys will be in the Commonwealth to film.

The pickers typically scout out collections that include toys, unusual radios, movie memorabilia, military items, folk art, early firefighting equipment, vintage musical equipment, automotive items, clothing and one-of-a-kind vintage memorabilia. They are most interested in items that have an great story behind them and in exploring a site with a large, private collection of antiques that would take most of a day to sort through, the show says in a news release.

If you think your place would be a worthy destination, submit your name, phone number, location, and a description of your collection with photos by email to AmericanPickers@cineflix.com or by calling 1-855-OLD-RUST (855-653-7878).

A film crew is heading to Virginia to hunt for “unique antique collections and interesting stories behind them,” according to a press release. The guys are looking for large, private collections, multi-generational family properties, or “anywhere the guys can spend the better part of a day picking good stuff.”

They only pick private collections, so malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses or anything open to the public is ineligible, the show says.

If you're unfamiliar with the show, "this isn't your grandmother's antiquing," according to its website, which says Wolfe and Fritz "are on a mission to recycle America, even if it means diving into countless piles of grimy junk or getting chased off a gun-wielding homeowner's land."

"If you think the antique business is all about upscale boutiques and buttoned-up dealers, this show may change your mind – and teach you a thing or two about American history along the way," the website says.

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)

Photo: "American Pickers" Frank Fritz, left, and Mike Wolfe via The History Channel