Mexican’s ‘Harry Potter’ collection is world’s biggest

Menahem Asher Silva Vargas, a 37 year old lawyer, smiles as he shows off his collection of Harry Potter memorabilia, after being awarded the Guinness World Record title for the largest collection, in Mexico City, Monday. AP

MEXICO CITY–A Mexico City man is in Hogwarts heaven after his collection of “Harry Potter” memorabilia was named the world’s largest.

Menahem Asher Silva Vargas has spent nearly 15 years collecting all things related to British author J.K. Rowling’s young-adult wizard-fantasy series, which spawned eight blockbuster films.

His collection fills two rooms and counts everything from magic wands and toy figurines to Gryffindor scarves and replica Quidditch brooms.

Guinness World Records officially recognized it Monday as the world No. 1, at 3,097 pieces. The old mark was 807.

Silva Vargas said he began with no intent to amass a huge collection. But soon it was like being under a spell.

He laughingly called his obsession both a blessing and a curse: “My salary, my bonuses … it all ended up here.”