Bob James Magic Antiques and Oddities is a unique and captivating store that offers a wide array of rare and unusual items. Located in the heart of downtown, this hidden gem has become a popular destination for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Upon stepping foot into the store, visitors are immediately transported into a world of wonder and marvel. The antique furniture and décor create an ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era, evoking a sense of nostalgia and enchantment. Every corner is filled with an eclectic mix of curious items, each with its own fascinating story to tell. Bob James, the owner and curator of this extraordinary establishment, has a passion for all things strange and mysterious.
James is also something of a local magic historian. He has collected information and documents about Elmhurst's own Harlan Tarbel, a nationally known stage magician and illustrator active throughout the early 20th century.
But once you get past the human leg bone, the creepy Santa and the mummified bat displayed in a small metal box that looks like a miniature coffin, the magic really begins. The man behind the counter is magician and proprietor Bob James, 50, who opened the shop in 1992 as a way to give himself more exposure as a magician.
Bob James, the owner and curator of this extraordinary establishment, has a passion for all things strange and mysterious. His deep knowledge and expertise in the field are evident as he personally guides customers through the store, sharing captivating tales and historical insights. One of the main attractions at Bob James Magic Antiques and Oddities is the collection of magical artifacts.
Chicago Oddities & Curiosities Expo
Introducing, our very first event in Illinois.. . .
THE CHICAGO ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES EXPO!
Vendors with items such as: Oddities, taxidermy, wet specimens, antiques, odd jewelry, unusual art, bones, curiosities and all around creepy, strange and bizarre items. . .
*SPONSORS*
Undeveloped Area Farms (The Skeletorium)
Atomic Folk Art
* CONFIRMED VENDORS *
Afterlife Tours Inc.
Insect Asylum / Cowboys Custom Knifes
Abernathys
Addy’s Exotic Curiosities
Altheas Lair
Amanda Stalter
Amelies Anomalies
Anthony Licari
Antisocial Jewelry Company
Art By Rembry
Art Guy Designs
Art of HMSchilling
ASTRALFAE
Atomic Folk Art
Averoigne Antique
Backcreek Ragamuffin
Bitesizebots And Company
Black Moth
Blood Brood FX
Bob James Magic and Curiosities
Brady Stoehr Art
Bring Out Your Dead
Bryan Fyffe
Calaveras of Chicago
Color Over The Edge
Crazy Coaster Chick
Creaky Crow
Creepy Jason
Cryptid Matter
Dark & Deviant Oddities
Dark Light Candles
Day of the Dollies
Dead Darling Boutique
Dead End Doll Factory
Death Couture
Dreaded Jenocide
Earth Worn
Earthenwood
Eerily Beloved
Elegant Reptile Images
Ephemera Obscura
Erin Hankins Art
Etched in Embers
Evil Toad Studios
Fae Macabre
Fae’s Cabinet
Feral Femme Art
Ferrule Child
Gorejess Laboratory
Gorgeous Henna
Grave Markings Art
GrixDolls
Gypsy Macabre
Gypsy River Witch
Hannabert Creations
Hardcore Hearse Club / Funeral Antiques
Hell Erupts
Icky Bah Koo
IYQ Entertainment / Vintage Voodoo-Tattoos, Antiques and Oddities
JODI CACHIA artist
Josh’s Bone Yard
Julian Johnston and GGM Studios
Kadywumpus Antiques & Oddities
Krampus Store
Krebs Creations
LED Haunt Lights
Little Black Bats
Madam Cora’s Emporium
Memento Moira
Mickey Alice Kwapis
Monsters of Mayhem
Museum of Wonder and Awe
Natures Oddities
Obscure Creations by Sioux
Oddfisch
Oddities of Nature
Original Sin Design
Oswald Oddities
Painted Lady Trashions
Patrick Hart
Paul Tattoos
PeeAirs
PeedleBeetle
Point Blank Art & Design
Relyt Lamps
ReTech
Revamp LLC
Rook and Owl Studio
Sacred Cloud Gifts
Sacred Pysche
SadieBird Art and Skellyton Art
Scavenged Parts
Sideshow Gallery
Silverfox Massage
Sin Deadella
Skull & Stones
Soot and Stain
Spellbound Baths
Stinky Goblin Emporium
Stoltz Design
Studio SP
Studio6287
Tarot by Laura
The Airship Iron Rose
The Art of Alexandra Winthrop
The Art of Price Jones
The Bloody Syringe
The Grue Gallery
The Insect Asylum / Cowboy Custom Knifes
The Menagerie of Misplaced Memories
The Museum of Wonder & Awe
The Pentacle Path / 6Witch3
The Roasted Thumb
The Satanic Temple – Chicago
The Skeletorium
Triple Threat Customs
Trippy Vixen Creations
Twisted Kaleidoscope
Unique Antiques
Uruz Metals
Vulture Culture Finds
Waterfront Productions
Weirdo Freaks For Life
Wiedemann Illustrations
Wolf Hollow Oddities
Worried Skull
WyckCraft
Zachariah Messiah’s Morbid Curiosities
TICKETS: ONLINE TICKETS SOLD OUT! Must buy day of!
* HOW TO BECOME A VENDOR *
*****BOOKED FULL******
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**Please Note: Please give 4-5 days maximum for a response before sending duplicate or sending separate emails! This holds up the process and makes the responses take longer.
– We do not accept vendors with franchised based products.
– You are not confirmed until payment is received.
– All items must be ethically sourced and legal to sell in your state.
s because James also uses the venue to host magic-themed birthday parties for children. He performs a show to start the party and then leads the kids in a workshop where they learn age-appropriate magic tricks.
From ancient spellbooks and mystical artifacts to enchanted talismans and potions, these items hold a certain allure that piques the curiosity of even the most skeptical visitor. Bob takes great pride in sourcing these one-of-a-kind pieces, ensuring that they are both authentic and imbued with a touch of magic. In addition to the magical artifacts, the store also houses a vast assortment of oddities and curiosities. From taxidermy creatures and anatomical models to unusual scientific instruments and vintage oddities, there is something to fascinate and captivate every visitor. Bob's careful curation and attention to detail make browsing through the store an immersive and unforgettable experience. Bob James Magic Antiques and Oddities is not just a store; it is a portal to another world, where imagination and reality intertwine. Whether you are a collector looking for a unique addition to your collection or simply someone with a curious mind, this enchanting store will transport you to a realm where anything is possible. Visit Bob James Magic Antiques and Oddities and let the magic unfold before your eyes..
Reviews for "Bob James's Eccentric Collection: Magic Antiques and Oddities that Dazzle"
- Sarah - 1/5
I went to Bob James Magic Antiques and Oddities expecting a unique and interesting experience, but I was thoroughly disappointed. The shop was cluttered and disorganized, making it difficult to navigate and find anything of interest. The items for sale were also overpriced and not worth the money. The staff was rude and unhelpful, making the whole experience even more unpleasant. I would not recommend this store to anyone looking for a quality antique shopping experience.
- John - 2/5
I had high hopes for Bob James Magic Antiques and Oddities, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The store was too small and cramped, making it hard to move around without bumping into something. The antiques and oddities on display were not very impressive, and the prices were exorbitant for what was being offered. There was also a lack of knowledgeable staff who could provide information or answer any questions. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this establishment and would not visit again.
- Emily - 2/5
My visit to Bob James Magic Antiques and Oddities left me feeling unsatisfied. The store had an off-putting musty smell, and the items for sale were dusty and not well-maintained. The staff seemed disinterested and unenthusiastic, which made the whole experience feel lackluster. The prices of the items were inflated and not reflective of their value. I would recommend looking elsewhere for a better antique shopping experience with friendlier staff and higher-quality items.