A Look Back At Auction Kings: How Paul Brown And Gallery 63 Brought Auctions To Reality Tv

By Author: Alex Ruegg
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For most viewers, the Discovery Channel series Auction Kings was their initial exposure to the action-packed universe of auctions. From 2010 to 2013, the show accompanied Paul Brown and his staff at Atlanta's Gallery 63 as they discovered, valued, and sold a variety of strange and valuable items. From historical papers and vintage memorabilia to rare items, Auction Kings gave voice to the untamed element of auctions—and the eccentric personalities driving them.

The Emergence of a Reality Hit

When Discovery set out to find an actual auction house to highlight, Paul Brown and Gallery 63 broke from the pack. In contrast to other auctioneers dressed to the nines in suits, Brown openly embraced his rough-around-the-edges personality. "We don't necessarily appear, speak, or think like your typical antique dealer," he confessed in a 2011 interview. That down-to-earth honesty—paired with high-stakes theatrics of the auction floor—made Auction Kings a natural for television.

Discovery's production crew approached Brown in 2009 with a flip camera to record an average day at Gallery 63. That unedited footage ...
... was the clincher. The network commissioned 26 episodes, and Auction Kings became a reality. The main cast supporting Brown consisted of Cindy Shook, Jon Hammond, and Delfino Ramos, each contributing their own style and experience to the show.

The Gallery 63 Formula

Located in Atlanta, Gallery 63 was far from a typical antique gallery. What made the show compelling was the variety of items that came through its doors—often with little warning and big backstories. A vampire killing kit, letters signed by Harry Houdini, and vintage Coca-Cola machines were just a few of the strange and rare finds featured on the show.

Though each episode conformed to a familiar pattern—discovery, appraisal, auction—the outcomes were unpredictable. "Sometimes, we'd pursue an item we believed would be a home run and then watch it sputter on the auction floor," Brown recounted. "Other times, there were 'dark horse' items that ended up ringing the bell on auction day."

This surprise factor became a hallmark of Auction Kings, differentiating the show from similar programs such as Pawn Stars. Fans watched not only for the merchandise, but for the drama of the auction battles and the excitement of the auction room.

Paul Brown: A Natural Showman

Paul Brown was no stranger to the antiques world. Growing up amidst auctions, his family owned Red Baron Antiques, a familiar name within Georgia's antiques community. Gallery 63 began life as an outlet for bulk sales—what Brown referred to as a "clearing house" for box lots and cheap furniture.

But Brown envisioned something more. Utilizing his degree in English literature, he studied the items extensively, revealing historical context that heightened their worth. As head of Gallery 63, the firm became a full-fledged auction house dealing in high-end decorative arts, jewelry, rare documents, and paintings.

The End of an Era—and a New Chapter

After four seasons and 96 episodes of success, Auction Kings ended in 2013. Nevertheless, the program continues through repeats on stations such as Quest TV and online platforms, bringing the world of live auctions to a new generation of viewers.

Paul Brown and Gallery 63 didn't rest on their laurels after the cameras shut off. The auction house diversified its efforts and sharpened its expertise. "These days, we deal in one-of-a-kind collectibles, high-end decorative arts, fine art, jewelry, and couture," Brown recounted in an interview later. The gallery today hosts dozens of auctions annually, following the trends in the market and shifting buyer interests.

His son, Elijah Brown, is also now a part of the business, ushering in a new generation of leadership for Gallery 63 but keeping the freshness and outspokenness that made the auction house a television hit.

Legacy of Auction Kings

The influence of Auction Kings extends beyond the realm of entertainment. The show served to demystify the auction business for the average viewer. It demonstrated that auctions aren't exclusive to affluent collectors—they're for anyone who'll take a risk on a one-of-a-kind discovery.

It also showcased the excitement and uncertainty of the auction process. With every lot, there was a story waiting to be uncovered, and a price waiting to be discovered. For millions of viewers, that was part of the thrill.

Even post-pandemic, Paul Brown and company are still booming. At a 2021 estate sale auction, Gallery 63 sold a Rolex Submariner for $18,000—more than twice its high estimate. But not everything sold to target, illustrating that the auction world is as volatile as ever.

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