American Pickers Uncover Rare Civil War Rifle in Iowa Barn

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On a recent episode of the History Channel series American Pickers, hosts Mike Wolfe and 'Jersey Jon' Szalay visited an 82-year-old man named Clois in Le Claire, Iowa, who had a barn packed floor-to-ceiling with an array of historic items. Among the treasures they discovered was a rare Civil War-era rifle, which Clois had won in a $10 raffle years ago.

Why it matters

The discovery of the rare Civil War rifle highlights the unique and valuable items that can still be found in rural barns and homes across America. American Pickers has built a loyal following by uncovering these hidden gems and sharing the stories behind them with viewers.

The details

During their visit, Mike and 'Jersey Jon' were immediately drawn to Clois' 1962 Ford Thunderbird, which he had also won in a raffle years ago for just $10. As they explored the barn further, they came across the rare Civil War rifle, which Clois had acquired through a similar chance encounter. The 82-year-old collector had amassed an impressive array of conversation pieces over the decades, many of which he enjoyed sharing with friends who would visit for coffee.

• The American Pickers episode featuring Clois' barn aired on February 22, 2026.

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