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Cool and Collected

Collecting pop culture toys, comics, and collectibles collections

June 21, 2010 By 73 Comments

American Pickers – Gordon’s Gold Mine Episode Recap and Review

In this episode, Danielle sends Mike and Frank to the hills of Pickens, South Carolina where they meet up with a couple of other pickers. Nathan and his 14-year-old son, Dakota, are two generations of dumpster divers. This picking duo have some really great stuff for the guys to pick through, but the crown jewel is a creepy clown vending machine that spits out devil baby toys. Now, that would look great in my man cave!

There are quite a few items of pop culture interest on this pick but most of them are half-second glimpses. There is a cabinet full of vintage tin toys I wish they paused to peruse, but at least they highlighted a cool plastic Creature from the Black Lagoon, which Mike buys for $5. Mike iss happy to find a (surprise) rusty old bike. This one is a goofy looking Moulton racing bike, which he buys for $45.

american pickers gordon's gold mine - Danielle's tattoos

We get another nice look at Danielle’s tattoos this week. I think the good folks at the History Channel are reading my reviews (or reading my mind). Danielle tells Mike and Frank that she wants to go on a pick. After they finish laughing at her, she mutters, “Wasted talent, that’s what I am.” Truer words have never been spoken, Danielle.

The next stop is a 300-acre farm owned by Mary and her son, Johnathan, who inherited the property and all the outbuildings filled with stuff from an uncle. The highlights of this pick are some old hanging lights from a local church, a large school bell from the 1800’s, and a few pieces of stoneware pottery. Mary is genuinely happy with all the prices she is offered. I guess since she has never even been in some of the buildings and has no idea what is in them, it’s easy to part with the items, especially while Mike and Frank are throwing money at her.

Mike has a moment with a stoneware jug.

The guys joke about bringing Danielle on a pick, and suggest she would be useful to distract big dogs. Way to stay classy guys.

The best “honey hole” so far on American Pickers is a treasure trove in the middle of a cement plant. Gordon is 89-years old and has been collecting all his life. His place is freaking amazing! I could spend weeks in that building, looking through all his amazing things. Mike and Frank rapidly deplete their funds buying a WWII pilot skull cap, peanut and gum machines, motorcycle signs, a cast iron banjo player, and a canoe, among other things.

My favorite item is the A.C. Gilbert James Bond Aston Martin tin toy car. Frank offers $40 for the car which is really low, in my opinion, and Gordon doesn’t seem too pleased with the offer either. They settle on $75, which is still a pretty great price. Frank keeps lowballing his offers, but Gordon doesn’t take any of his crap, and any offer Frank makes after that is rejected for a higher offer. Go Gordon!

Gordon is a neat old guy with kids who don’t have any interest in his amazing collection. Those ungrateful louts! I’m interested. Gordon, if you’re listening, you can adopt me, and we can play with all your toys. Call me.

Another great pick is a Gripmeter strength testing machine for $200. Frank tests it out and registers just above “sissy.”

Like last week, the pickers take some of their finds to a local appraiser to see how they did. Frank bought a glass gum machine for $500, after Gordon forgot what he had asked for it (he wanted $600). It turns out to be a 1902 glass Mansfield’s Gum dispenser with a bell that rings when a penny is inserted, valued at $900. The cast iron black banjo player that Mike picked turns out to be a fireplace andiron worth $600-800.

The show ends with Mike and Frank teasing Danielle in a fairly scripted scene. Come on guys, you can do better than that.

I like how this season Mike and Frank visit an appraiser rather than just guessing at what they will be able to get for an item. What do you think? Anyone else see anything you would have “picked” in this episode?

Filed Under: Other

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Betty says

    June 28, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    Wrought iron black banjo player andiron needed for an old-time banjo winner from Uncle Dave Macon Days in Murfreesboro, TN. The gentlemen is a student of black banjo players from the 1800’s to the present. He’s a state park ranger and notable banjo players often stop by to pick and swap tunes with him. Where’s the andiron and how much?

    Reply
    • amy says

      October 5, 2010 at 10:26 am

      my mom has two of the banjo players-email me if you would like to know more

      Reply
      • Betty says

        October 31, 2010 at 2:58 pm

        Hi Amy,
        Just saw your reply re the black banjo players. Are they andirons exactly like Mike and Frank bought at Gordon’s on the “American Pickers” show?

        Reply
      • kevin combs says

        August 20, 2011 at 9:49 pm

        hi just hoped you could tell me as much as possible about the banjo players. i myself found a set in southern illinois and was hoping they were pretty rare. can you help??

        Reply
      • Betty says

        October 16, 2013 at 7:37 pm

        Are the black banjo players in cast iron still available? Are they like the one that Gordon sold to Mike and Frank on American Pickers?

        Thanks!
        Betty

        Reply
  2. Marilyn says

    June 29, 2010 at 10:37 am

    anyone know email for GORDON –
    love to contact on items men didn’t buy…

    Reply
    • rebecca bernson says

      August 23, 2010 at 11:19 pm

      Gordon is my Dad. We are opening up his ‘store’ collection for anyone to come and buy. contact me for details. thanks!

      Reply
      • Lynn Connelly says

        August 24, 2010 at 9:45 pm

        Rebecca,

        We live in Chapin, SC and would love to visit your Dad and his “store” collection.
        Where is he located and how do we get in touch with him?

        Thanks,

        Lynn Connelly

        Reply
        • rebecca bernson says

          August 25, 2010 at 1:59 pm

          Gprdon is my Dad and we have opened up his collection to buyers. We are working by appt so as to not overwhelm him. If you are interested, pls email me and we’ll set up a good time. thanks! Rebecca

          Reply
          • mike says

            January 2, 2011 at 11:35 am

            Hi Rebecca,

            If you are sincere about visiting I’d love to stop by sometime. I live up in Fort Mill, SC.

            Thanks!

            Mike

          • Brian Cole says

            May 4, 2011 at 12:23 am

            Rebecca:

            Does Gordon still have the 1954 Silver Wraith for sale?

            Brian

          • ED KUBIC says

            June 16, 2011 at 10:49 am

            PLEASE SEND ME THE STORE HOURS

          • Michelle says

            September 5, 2011 at 1:48 pm

            Rebecca if you could send me information on ure store info i would love to come visit and see whats there for my collections.. thanks

          • Susie Long says

            September 5, 2011 at 3:50 pm

            I loved the show on your dad and would love to visit his place. If you are still willing to let people come look, I would be very interested. Please send me information toemail you.

          • Ryan says

            September 11, 2011 at 10:55 pm

            Hey Rebecca, just finished watching the American Pickers on my TiVo. Looks like your dad had a couple of early model Jaguars in the garage. I believe one was red, the other green. Do you have information on those if they are still in his inventory? Thanks

          • chrysafis says

            October 24, 2011 at 3:03 pm

            Hello Rebecca,
            I am interested in the british sports cars. Please send me an emil with a description of the cars along with prices.
            Thank you very much,
            C.Chrysafis

      • don callahan says

        August 25, 2010 at 8:41 pm

        Hi,
        Interested in coming to see your Dad’s collection would like to make and
        appointment.
        Please email with available times.

        Thanks,
        Don Callahan

        Reply
      • Richard says

        January 19, 2011 at 5:05 pm

        Hi Rebecca,

        Since I saw your dad on American Pickers last year I haven’t stopped thinking about him, his “stuff” and most of all, his story. I’m curious how your dad is doing and how the sale of things down there has gone. I’d also like to know if we could discuss telling his story to the world.
        I can be reached by email via and would reply in a timely manner. I think you dad is an amazing fellow.

        Richard

        Reply
        • rebecca bernson says

          February 8, 2011 at 2:38 pm

          Richard, Gordon is amazing. We just celebrated his 90th birthday and at this time, he and my Mom are on a 12 day cruise! No slowing down for him! I think he is simply a great example of a real American success story. Young boy from rural Georgia whose family were farmers, lives thru the Great Depression, earns his way to Georgia Tech, and serves his country in WWII. Stationed in England where he flies bombing missions over Europe – incredible for someone who had never left his rural county. Returns with $5k he saved and starts his own business. I have heard his experiences many times and I never tire of the incredible stories that are simply part of our American heritage. The Greatest Generation – really was great in so many ways and can be a lesson for us all today. I’d welcome the chance to speak with you. Rebecca Bernson ***-***-****

          Reply
          • Richard Ward says

            August 10, 2011 at 10:05 am

            Hi Rebecca,
            I recently saw the episode about your Father, I didn’t catch who he was and his story, but was amazed at the classic vehicles he had in his building. I am originally from England and have lived in the US for 7 years. My Father grew up through WW2 and remembers the V1 bombs flying over London. I’ve studied the history of WW2 extensively at school and through my own interest, and remember the US Bombing missions were amazingly day raids. Also I am great Classic car enthusiast and work with a colleague of mine in Forest City, NC at a restoration and sales business, and we are greatly passionate about what we do. Do you have any of the vehicles available? Where are you located? I would greatly appreciate it if you could get back to me and look forward to hearing from you.

            Kind Regards,

            Richard J. Ward

      • BAB says

        April 5, 2011 at 10:40 pm

        Hi Rebecca. My husband is interested in the British sports cars. If there is one for sale, please let us know. Thank you. Sincerely, Beth Anne
        ps Mr Gordon is a true gem. We enjoyed watching him on the Pickers show.

        Reply
      • Patsy says

        April 25, 2011 at 12:09 pm

        Does Gordon still have treasures for sale ?

        Reply
      • kevin combs says

        August 20, 2011 at 9:54 pm

        hi rebecca loved your dad on the show. just wanted to know if he still has the cherry smash dispenser mike got excited about? and if so, is it still for sale??

        Reply
      • Barbara Sellers says

        October 23, 2011 at 2:52 am

        Rebecca, just wondering if you all still have the store open. Please email me with contact info. We would love to visit. Loved your dad. My dad was also a WW11 vet so he really touched my heart.

        Reply
      • Curtis Jundt says

        October 23, 2011 at 2:57 am

        Hi! Is Gordon still selling some of his collectibles? Just saw a replay of his appearance on the History channel.

        Reply
      • Kelly says

        October 9, 2012 at 4:04 pm

        Hi Rebecca,

        Just saw a rerun of the episode with your dad, Gordon and all the items in his collection. Also so your post that the store would be open for people to come & buy things. Just wondering if it is still open since the showed aired over 2 years ago but i just caught it for the first time over the weekend. I’ll wait to hear back from you if it is still open. If so, then I’ll have more questions. No sense typing them now, if the store isn’t even open anymore.

        Thanks for your time. Looking forward to hearing back from you.
        Kelly

        Reply
      • jean sowards says

        December 4, 2013 at 5:52 pm

        Where are you located

        Reply
      • Annette Deal says

        May 27, 2017 at 11:28 am

        Rebecca, could you please send me on information on your dad’s store? Thank you, and have a Blessed day..

        Reply
      • Cassandra says

        July 23, 2018 at 9:20 am

        I am from south of Athens, Ga. I have most weekends off work. Could you please tell me when we could come up and pick your father’s concrete warehouse? I have kept his general location since the first airing of the Pickers program, several years ago. I just recently saw the rerun and really am interested in seeing/purchasing some of his treasures. Thanks, Cassandra

        Reply
      • Mike says

        October 1, 2020 at 7:59 am

        Are you still selling your dads stuff? Or is it all sold by now…

        Reply
  3. Diane Powers says

    June 29, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    I also would like a way to contact Gordon, in the show where Mike bought a gum machine and there was an object sitting right next to it and I have on just like it but have never seen one before now and we would like to know what it is. I have pictures

    Reply
    • rebecca bernson says

      August 23, 2010 at 11:20 pm

      Gordon is my Dad and we have opened up his ‘store’ for others to come and buy. contact me for details. thanks!

      Reply
      • Jeff Ellington says

        December 4, 2010 at 9:46 pm

        I would be interested in setting up a time when we are on vacation to stop by and meet your familey and to do some shopping. Thanks Jeff Ellington 812-327-8118 Bloomington, Indiana

        Reply
      • Dave Harris says

        May 3, 2011 at 9:03 pm

        Rebecca Bersnson

        I would like to have the address and store hours. I collect coke stuff.

        Reply
      • David says

        August 10, 2011 at 8:37 am

        Please contact me…I would love to set up an appointment and come see and buy some items. 704.519.7156

        Reply
      • Beverly Weeden says

        October 7, 2012 at 4:44 pm

        What town & state is Gordon located. Would be interested in seeing his ‘store’ . We just moved to N.C. and would love to add some old items to our home.

        Reply
      • Frank W. says

        August 30, 2014 at 9:43 pm

        I too am very passionate about some of the cars your dad has. It happens my son is going to a school in SC and since he is away from family has time to come see you on my behalf (live in Idaho). I’ll send him this link. Our fathers experiences are very similar.

        Reply
  4. Susan says

    July 4, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    I am trying to contact Gordon as well on behalf of my father. If anyone knows his last name and/or phone number please contact me.

    thanks

    Reply
  5. Robbie says

    July 5, 2010 at 11:58 pm

    Gordon’s concrete company info:

    6269 Jefferson Davis Highway
    North Augusta
    SC
    29841

    1 – 803 – 279 – 7620

    Reply
  6. Larry Hancock says

    July 6, 2010 at 9:13 am

    I have been in contact with Gordon’s grand daughter. They are going to sell his stuff on ebay.

    Reply
    • Kim Martelle says

      July 7, 2010 at 1:58 am

      Larry, Are you still in contact with Gordon’s grand daughter? If so can you ask her if they still have the 1955 Chevy and get back to me? Thanks

      Reply
      • rebecca bernson says

        August 23, 2010 at 11:22 pm

        I am Gordon’s daughter and we have several of his cars for sale. Pls let me know your interest and I will provide details. We did not have a Chevy but do have the Rolls, a Lincoln, a Cadillac, Jags. Thanks!

        Reply
        • dewey says

          August 24, 2010 at 11:40 am

          Hi,

          I am interested in some of the cars. Please email me your contact info (dtn70@yahoo.com)

          Thanks,
          dewey

          Reply
          • rebecca bernson says

            August 25, 2010 at 2:02 pm

            My husband, Gary and I are setting up appts to see my Dads collection so as not to overwhelm him. We can also provide info on the cars for sale. Email me at above address (rebeccabernson@yahoo.com) or Gary at gatl1@yahoo.com. My cell is 404 213 6477 and Gary’s is 770 633 7091. thanks!

        • Bill Norwood says

          August 25, 2010 at 11:56 am

          I noticed that Gordon had a Jaguar. Can you give me some information on it?

          Bill

          Reply
          • rebecca bernson says

            August 25, 2010 at 2:04 pm

            pls call me at 404 213 6477 or my husband Gary at 770 633 7091 and he will provide info on the cars available for sale. We do have jags. thanks!

        • Trond says

          February 6, 2013 at 3:49 pm

          Dear Rebecca,
          Is the Rolls still there?
          From a Norwegian viewer of “Pickers”

          Reply
  7. jaime rogers says

    August 2, 2010 at 12:56 pm

    Anyone have contact for the grandaughter. I would love information on his cars.

    Reply
    • rebecca bernson says

      August 23, 2010 at 11:21 pm

      I am Gordon’s daughter. We are not selling on ebay but have opened up the ‘store’ for folk to come and buy. Contact me for details. thanks!

      Reply
      • Christy Lee says

        August 24, 2010 at 11:49 am

        I am interested in purchasing some of these items for display at the new SC State Farmers Market restaurant. Please email me your contact information. Thank you.

        Reply
        • rebecca bernson says

          August 25, 2010 at 2:05 pm

          Pls email me or my husband Gary at gatl1@yahoo.com
          OR call me at 404 213 6477 or Gary at 770 633 7091
          thanks!

          Reply
  8. Dan says

    August 24, 2010 at 1:03 am

    I would like to purchase the whole lot

    Reply
    • rebecca bernson says

      August 25, 2010 at 2:06 pm

      You can contact me at 404 213 6477 or my husband Gary at 770 633 7091 – We are assisting my Dad in selling his collection. thanks!

      Reply
      • Randy Brooks says

        October 24, 2010 at 11:10 am

        Hi Rebecca, I saw your Dad and his store on American Pickers. I collect petroleum stuff and saw a few things in the store on the show. Would love to stop by the store for a look. Can we set up an appointment ? I see you live in the Atlanta area judging by the phone numbers. I live in Kennesaw. Please contact me. 770-331-5152 (cell) or 770-424-4808 (home).

        Thanks Randy

        Reply
  9. Kathleen Moore says

    August 29, 2010 at 10:44 pm

    How can my daughter and I get ahold of Nathan and Dakota to set up an appointment to see their toys<

    Reply
  10. Betty says

    October 31, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    I am still interested in the black wrought iron banjo player–it was one half of a set of andirons. Is it available at all?

    Reply
  11. Paul Miday says

    February 22, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    Mike and frank , I watch your show all the time. I am in a junk pickup business. I collect all sorts of goody . I have a WWII dumy they use to fool the ememy. Its made out of cast iron with movible joints. I live in northcarolina . If you would like to see it,call me.

    Reply
    • Brian says

      February 23, 2011 at 9:54 am

      No Mike and Frank here, I’m afraid. I’m just a fan like you, sharing my thoughts on the show. But if Mike and Frank are reading this and contact you, let me know!

      Reply
  12. bob says

    September 4, 2011 at 8:55 pm

    Seen ya in downtown seneca sc, (next to pickens) will send you an e mail or post on some good pics in sc and ga, when I run accross them. You guys are welcome here in south.

    Reply
  13. bob says

    September 4, 2011 at 8:57 pm

    carolina. Hope you like your new glasses, just got mine. Welcome to the gentlemens club.lol

    Reply
  14. jonny transcend says

    September 5, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    There was a band saw in the background at the farm that I would have jumped on for my shop!

    Reply
  15. J.smiley says

    September 5, 2011 at 1:55 pm

    Hi there, I live in Tucker ga and would love to come by with my daughter and have a look at the store!

    Reply
  16. J. Ashendorf says

    September 9, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    I noticed two J24s in the background of the garage. I was wondering if they were for sale or available.

    Reply
  17. Rupert Thompson says

    September 16, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    do you still have the Rolls for sale?

    Reply
  18. aaron elliott says

    November 6, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    Mr. Gordan and family members,
    My name is MSG Aaron Elliott, I’m presently demployed in the Middle East. Do you’ll still have the roll royal for sale?

    Reply
  19. aaron elliott says

    November 7, 2011 at 3:07 am

    To the Gordon Family,
    I e-mail you’ll last night, but I were in a hurry. I’m station in the Middle East and I’ll be home soon you have several of his cars for sale. I’m very interested and please provide me with some details. The Rolls, a Lincoln, a Cadillac, Jags.
    Thanks you very much for your assistance and support,

    Reply
  20. Betty says

    March 12, 2012 at 8:38 pm

    I’m still interested in the black banjo player andiron. Is it available anywhere? Single or pair doesn’t matter.

    Reply
    • Betty says

      October 16, 2013 at 7:06 pm

      Betty

      Betty is still seeking cast iron black banjo player as seen on “Gordon’s Gold Mine” in 2010. Just reading here that Gordon has passed away. My sympathy to his family.

      Who has a cast iron black banjo player like the one Gordon sold to Frank and Mike of American Pickers? Anybody? I’m still looking for the item for a relative who is an old-time banjo player.

      Noticed that “Gordon’s Gold Mine” will be shown today, Oct. 16, 2013. It will be good to see it again!

      Reply
  21. pamela says

    August 27, 2012 at 5:40 pm

    just saw the rerun of American Pickers show with Mr Gordon and his awesome array of collectibles….he is such a great, intelligent and wonderful gentleman with southern roots….my dad was in WWII and was in the Navy…he passed away 4 years ago and he would’ve been proud to have known your father…if possible, I would love to drive up to see and purchase some of the collectibles and antiques…please email me if Mr Gordon is still doing business….may God Bless him and his family…and thank him for his service.

    Reply
  22. Lynn says

    October 22, 2012 at 10:31 am

    Rebecca,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Your father seemed like such an interesting person.

    Reply
  23. Robert says

    October 22, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    Gordon just passed away, per Mike’s posting on Facebook.

    Reply
  24. kevin Bruce says

    April 11, 2014 at 1:30 am

    Hey I know this is a longshot but do you still have the 1954 Rolls Royce that Gordon owned? I love that green paint job. Please contact me Kevinbruce99@yahoo.com.au

    Reply
  25. Dorothy T Smith says

    October 9, 2014 at 10:48 am

    Rebecca,
    We recently saw a rerun of The Pickers that featured your father…. Enjoyed it very much…your father had a beautiful personality!!

    Do you still have one or more of his 20’s30’s brass cash registers that would have been used in a grocery store, etc. ?? If so, what is the price??

    My husband and I are very interested in purchasing one, if available.

    Thanks.
    Dorothy T. Smith
    Hartsville, SC 803 428 7180

    Reply

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