Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabe Fajuri.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gabe. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The business started in 2007 in my living room. It all sprang from an appraisal I helped conduct in 2005 and 2006, of the recently-deceased Dean of American Magicians, Jay Marshall. His collection of books, posters, and “stuff” – some trash, some treasure – took six months of digging and sorting to appraise. After a truck full had been donated to a museum in Michigan, I helped conduct an auction of what was left, and made the estate some $300,000.00 in the process. Eureka! Time to found a business.
At first, we specialized in what we knew best – collectibles related to magicians and magic tricks – and carved out a great niche for ourselves in the auction world that way. It’s something that has set us apart from other auctioneers since the beginning. Along the way, we’ve sold millions of dollars’ worth of magic memorabilia. But from the first few auctions organized in my living room, the business slowly grew to its present size, and much broader scope.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It took a while to figure out a strategy for growth, so expanding beyond our comfort zone has taken longer than we would have liked.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Potter & Potter Auctions – what should we know?
In 2017, Potter & Potter set a world record for a magic poster sold at public auction when we offered a rare three-sheet lithograph of Harry Houdini in his Water Torture Cell at auction. The poster brought an astonishing price: $114,000.00. It’s the most anyone has ever paid for a magic poster, and in fact, the most anyone has ever paid for a magic object, outside of the Water Torture Cell itself.
Potter & Potter specializes in the sale magic memorabilia like that poster, including Houdini memorabilia, vintage magic tricks, autographs, photographs, collectible books, and all associated items.
But we sell much more: comic books, slot machines, vintage posters & advertising, rare books and manuscripts, circus posters and wild west show memorabilia, vintage toys, carnival rides; really anything that could be considered collectible. We’re not a furniture & jewelry or estate goods auction house. We sell odd, unusual, and collectible antiques.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Every auction we conduct is the product of concerted teamwork. From the folks who write the catalogs, design the catalogs, shoot the photos, market the merchandise, set up the items on display in our gallery, ship the orders, and help conduct the sale on auction day, it takes a concentrated effort to make each live auction event a success.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe that at one time, Potter & Potter was a two-man operation. I founded the company with my father, who encouraged my early interest and passion in magic tricks and collecting, and we work together at the auction house.
Pricing:
- We sell items in all price ranges, from $25.00 to $25,000.00 and beyond.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3759 N. Ravenswood Ave. Suite 121
Chicago, IL 60613 - Website: http://www.potterauctions.com
- Phone: 773-472-1442
- Email: info@potterauctions.com
- Instagram: @potterauctions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/potterandpotterauctions/
- Twitter: @pnpauctions
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/potter-and-potter-auctions-chicago
Image Credit:
Potter & Potter Auctions, Inc.
www.potterauctions.com
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