Potter & Potter Auctions
Potter & Potter Auctions, Inc. specializes in the sale of rare and collectible books, paper Americana, circus- and gambling-themed collectibles, playing cards, as well as magicana - antiques and collectibles related to magic tricks and magicians. In the latter category, Potter & Potter has established itself as a market leader, consistently setting record prices for rare and unusual apparatus, posters, autographs, ephemera, Houdiniana, and photographs.
The company conducts regular auctions in its Chicago gallery on the city's north side, and publishes meticulously researched, lavishly illustrated catalogs to accompany its sales, many of which have become essential reference tools in serious collectors' libraries.
In addition to live bidding on auction day, Potter & Potter accepts phone and absentee bids, agent bids and online bidding through LiveAuctioneers.
Learn more about Potter & Potter and its upcoming sales by visiting the company website.
Upcoming Auctions from Potter & Potter Auctions
Political & Historical Americana
Join us on November 5th for an exciting Political & Historical Americana sale. The auction features material dating to the 18th and 19th century, including a rare George Washington free frank, and a desirable John Quincy Adams Pewter mirror. Collectors will also find a wonderful selection of three-dimensional campaign items, an amazing Howard Hughes signed photograph, important association items, campaign posters, Lincolniana, and historical autographs.
![[THE EXORCIST]. [PERRI, Dan (b. 1945), designer]. "The Exorcist" American Advance Poster.](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/435069/243772742_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1791909915)
![[SHERLOCK HOLMES]. DOYLE, Sir Arthur Conan (1859-1930). The Hound of the Baskervilles. London:](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/435069/243772734_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1791909915)
Fine Horror & Mystery Literature
Our fall sale of fine books & manuscripts focuses on rare horror and mystery first editions, scarce pulps and zines, manuscripts, and more by the most famous authors of modern works in the genres of horror and mystery. Among the highlights are the true first edition of Bram Stoker's Dracula, and other cornerstones of the genre.
![FITZPATRICK, Tony (American, 1958-2025). "Choctaw Dragonfly" Original Art. [Chicago, ca. 2008].](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/436451/245622798_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1793115145)
Art + Design
Our Art & Design auction features three Outsider Art stars: Martin Ramirez, James Castle and Bill Traylor. The Fine Art session features a Rookwood monumental fish vase by Maria Longworth Storer, complemented by a David Maass painting, he being a two-time Federal Duck Stamp contest winner. The Contemporary Art session features another extensive run of Tony Fitzpatrick originals and prints, and a large archive of 1950s snapshots from France captured by Vivian Maier. The sale concludes with an important early work, a Peruvian Poncho with multicolored stripes dating to 300 A.D.Bidder Reviews for Potter & Potter Auctions (647)
4.7 out of 5.0 Stars
5 Star
88%(571)
4 Star
6%(38)
3 Star
1%(8)
2 Star
1%(9)
1 Star
3%(21)
8 Latest Top ReviewsSee All
Jodie New Freedom, PA
Oct 26, 2026
Top Notch Auction House
Not only does Potter & Potter offer interesting items, but their customer service, responsiveness, and shipping are top notch. We will definitely be making more purchases in the future.
![[APOTHECARY]. Pair of Portable Wooden Storage Cabinets, One with Vials. [V.p., ca. 19th century].](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/431085/240164347_1_x.jpg?height=94&quality=70&version=1)
AngelaBothell, WA
Oct 18, 2026
![JAY, Mark. Sex Pistols. 1977. [London]: n.p.](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/426071/237272343_1_x.jpg?height=94&quality=70&version=1)
JonHarrislee, DE
Sep 24, 2026
Helpful and kind staff
My book was very securely packed, shipping was fast, and the staff were very nice and helpful. I can highly recommend them.
ErnestoNew Orleans, LA
Sep 10, 2026
Fast shipping at very reasonable cost.
My vintage guitar was well wrapped, boxed and delivered in excellent condition. The shipping costs were much lower than what I paid at other auctions. Highly recommend this auctioneer.
RobinChicago, IL
Sep 10, 2026
AMAZING AUCTION HOUSE IN CHICAGO!
My husband and I found a visit to Potter and Potter Auctions in Chicago to be a very exciting and pleasant experience! They are extremely professional, knowledgeable and enjoyed picking up my "won" auction items in person, meeting Aaron Packer, (Director and Specialist), and of course... 'Ozzy', Official Resident Auction House Pup! My husband and I had a great conversation with Aaron and were very impressed by the Auction House bidding room, which, at the time, was filled with glorious and highly coveted antique circus/side show curiosities and oddities for an upcoming auction. We would highly recommend purchasing auctioned items from this trustworthy house, and will look forward to possibly attending a live auction in the future! Rating: Highly Recommended!
![[CBGB & OMFUG CLUB]. Pair of Staff T-Shirts from CBGB & OMFUG Club. [Circa 1990-2000s].](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/426071/237272905_1_x.jpg?height=94&quality=70&version=1)
TonyChicago, IL
Aug 13, 2026
Excellence from start to finish
A great experience with Potter & Potter. From the description of the item and its presentation, to the helpfulness of the team via email and then in-person, everyone was a pleasure.
Past Auctions from Potter & Potter Auctions
![[ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS]. [WILSON, William Griffith "Bill" (1895-1971)]. Alcoholics Anonymous: The](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/428018/238350021_1_x.jpg?height=260&quality=70&version=1786545791)
![HEMINGWAY, Ernest (1899-1961). Typescript for "The Capital of the World." [N.p., 1936].](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/428018/238350031_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1786545791)
![[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. [FINE PRESS BOOKS]. [CATLETT, Elizabeth (1915-2012), illustrator]. WALKER,](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/428018/238350062_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1786545791)
![[TONY ALVA]. California Free Former World Professional Skateboard Championship 1st Place Trophy.](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/426071/237272305_1_x.jpg?height=260&quality=70&version=1785189704)
![[CBGB & OMFUG FASHIONS]. Original Storefront Canopy Awning for CBGB's Fashion Shop. [Circa November](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/426071/237272872_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1785189704)
![[INCUNABLES]. GREGORY I, POPE (540-604). Moralia sive exposito in Job. [Basel: Nicolaus Kesler, 1496](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/421136/234320350_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1781294369)
![[VOYAGES AND TRAVELS]. HANWAY, Jonas (1712-1786). An Historical Account of the British Trade Over](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/414288/230408608_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1776438271)
![[LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865)]. Framed Abraham Lincoln Sign...](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/402678/223869764_1_x.jpg?height=260&quality=70&version=1768239802)
![[BLACK PANTHERS]. NEWTON, Huey P. The Racist Dog Policemen ...](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/402678/223869938_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1768239802)
![[FINELY-BOUND MODERN FIRSTS]. HEMINGWAY, Ernest. A Farewell...](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/402676/223538578_1_x.jpg?height=260&quality=70&version=1767805289)
![[CIVL WAR]. CHAMBERLAIN, Brevet Major-General Joshua Lawren...](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/393393/217967988_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1761164447)
![[AUTOMATON]. Clown Conjurer. Paris: Leopold Lambert, ca. la...](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/386940/214259282_1_x.jpg?height=260&quality=70&version=1756504125)
![[MORMONS]. SMITH, Joseph (1804-1844). The Book of Mormon: A...](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/384257/212649328_1_x.jpg?height=260&quality=70&version=1754430556)
Record Auction Results for Potter & Potter Auctions
![[CIVIL RIGHTS]. KING, Dr. Martin Luther, Jr.: [CIVIL RIGHTS]. KING, Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. (1929–1968). Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? New York: Harper & Row, 1967. 8vo. Original publisher’s black and yellow cloth, gilt](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/233968/121082024_1_x.jpg?height=310&quality=70&version=1642540108)
![[STOCK TICKER]. Edison-type Electrical Industries New York ...: [STOCK TICKER]. Edison-type Electrical Industries New York Universal Ticker Machine. Serial number 3812. Model 3-A, 22 Ohms. Lacquered brass mechanism (some tarnishing by age), black painted cast iron](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/265343/138523592_1_x.jpg?height=310&quality=70&version=1666130009)
![Erdnase, S.W. The Expert at the Card Table. [Chicago]:: Erdnase, S.W. The Expert at the Card Table. [Chicago]: Author, 1902. First Edition. Green cloth gilt stamped. Illustrated with drawings by M.D. Smith. 8vo. Hamley’s Magical Saloons overslip on the i](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/928/72973/37650475_1_x.jpg?height=310&quality=70&version=1433196045)
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