American Pickers’ Robbie Wolfe and Jersey Jon accused of ‘ripping off’ seller as stars check out $30

*American Pickers*, the long-running History Channel series known for its treasure hunts across America, has found itself in the spotlight once again—but this time, not for its usual quirky finds or deep history of antiques. Fans are now accusing stars Robbie Wolfe and John “Jersey” Shalay of unfairly lowballing a seller during the latest episode’s negotiations, leading to accusations of exploitation.

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### **The 1924 Ford Model T and the Controversial Siren Deal**

In preparation for the premiere of *American Pickers* Season 26 on October 15, 2024, the History Channel shared throwback clips from previous episodes, including a segment where Robbie Wolfe, the younger brother of Mike Wolfe, and cast member John “Jersey” Shalay examine a rare 1924 Ford Model T. The seller described the car as a family heirloom, expressing hesitation about letting it go. However, the pickers swiftly shifted focus, examining what else was available in the seller’s shed.

This led them to a vintage siren, a massive, double-sided cast iron piece that once served as an early alert system for a community. The siren, according to the seller, had come from the Richland Township Fire Hall, where it had been used for decades. Its early electric motor and sizable construction caught Jersey John’s eye, and after briefly testing the motor, he made an offer that would soon stir controversy.

The seller initially asked for a higher price, but after some haggling, the pickers agreed to buy the siren for $300, which they claimed was only worth $50 in a scrapyard. Many fans on social media reacted negatively to the lowball offer, with some accusing the pickers of attempting to rip off the seller. One Facebook user remarked, “Hey guys, let’s rip them off,” while others noted that similar vintage sirens have sold for over $1,000, with one currently priced at $1,400 at a famous pawn shop. Smaller fire horns, they pointed out, could easily fetch upwards of $850.

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### **The Controversial Motorcycle Deal**

In another clip, *American Pickers* stars John and Mike Wolfe were seen in California, scouting antique items when they spotted a rare 4-cylinder motorcycle atop a pole, which the seller had used as a unique display piece. Upon inspection, they realized they were looking at one of the rarest motorcycles in the world, an extraordinary find that John called “surreal.”

The motorcycle was part of a larger collection, and the pair quickly negotiated with the seller. Mike initially offered $10,000 for the bike, but John pushed for an additional $2,000, raising the price to $12,000. Fans online were again divided—while some were impressed by the pickers’ ability to recognize the rarity of the bike, others questioned the fairness of the offer, suggesting it was too low given the bike’s uniqueness.

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### **Season 26 and the Struggling Show**

While *American Pickers* continues to have a dedicated fanbase, the series has experienced mixed ratings during recent seasons. Season 25, in particular, was met with fluctuating viewership, with episodes like “DeLorean,” which aired on October 30, 2024, bringing in only 442,000 viewers—the lowest of the season. However, Season 26 kicked off with a modest surge in viewership with the *Carnival Cash Out* episode, which brought in 547,000 viewers on November 6, 2024. Though the bump offers some hope, it’s clear that the show’s ratings have been impacted by various factors, including the absence of former star Frank Fritz, whose departure in 2020 led to significant fan backlash.

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### **The Show’s Future Amid Controversy and Fan Concerns**

Despite some recent criticisms, *American Pickers* remains under contract with the History Channel for several more seasons, with filming for Season 26 continuing. Mike Wolfe, who has been with the series since its debut in 2010, revealed that the show will be filming in locations such as Louisiana, keeping the treasure hunts alive for dedicated fans.

However, with ongoing concerns about the show’s direction—ranging from low ratings to accusations of unfair deals with sellers—fans are increasingly questioning the series’ future. Some viewers have gone so far as to suggest that *American Pickers* has become a shadow of its former self, citing a perceived decline in authenticity and chemistry among the cast since the departure of Fritz.

Despite these concerns, the show’s longevity and the current commitment to three more years of filming indicate that *American Pickers* will continue its hunt for rare and valuable antiques, though how it adapts to fan criticism and changing viewer preferences will remain to be seen.

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**Conclusion: Navigating Fan Backlash and Declining Ratings**

While *American Pickers* continues to air new episodes, the recent controversies over deals like the $300 siren purchase and the motorcycle negotiation, coupled with the show’s ongoing ratings struggles, suggest that the series may need to adjust its approach moving forward. Whether it will successfully navigate these hurdles and regain its previous fanbase remains an open question, but one thing is clear: the picking adventures of Mike Wolfe, Robbie Wolfe, and their partners are under increased scrutiny as the show moves forward.