Grey Flannel Auctions opens new division specializing in antique coin-ops and amusements. May 14 auction to introduce division with rarities from 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Grey Flannel Auctions, a Long Island-based firm whose many professional distinctions include serving as official appraisers and authenticators for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, has opened a new division specializing in antique and vintage coin-op machines.
“It is a full-time, dedicated division that deals with unique antique amusements, primarily coin-operated machines of all types, and with the addition of antique advertising and celebrity memorabilia,†said Richard E. Russek, president of Grey Flannel Auctions.
The new department is headed by Robert M. Adams III, a court-certified appraiser and consultant who has assisted collectors, auction houses and estate executors for more than 40 years. Adams will be in charge of organizing a special coin-ops section for two of Grey Flannel’s regular sales each year – their May and December events. An initial offering of more than 250 lots of coin-op and related items will be included in the company’s May 14 auction. A featured highlight is a collection of rare coin-operated machines that were displayed at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair.
Grey Flannel has built its reputation on integrity and providing a comfort zone for the customer, said Russek. His management team includes his son, Michael Russek, who serves as director of operations; and T.J. Favilla, who formerly worked at Yankee Stadium and now holds the title of director of auctions. Richard Russek has been a top sports memorabilia dealer for 20 years. He founded Grey Flannel Auctions in 1999, and since then has helped chalk up an impressive roster of honors for his company. Grey Flannel is the only auction house ever allowed to hold an auction at New York City’s baseball shrine, Yankee Stadium. Additionally, Grey Flannel was chosen by Sotheby’s to authenticate the legendary Barry Halper baseball uniform collection, considered the greatest of its type ever amassed by an individual.
“We are known for our unwavering commitment to authentication. It has earned us the reputation as ‘the standard of the industry,’†said Richard Russek. “It is a great honor to be the official appraisers and authenticators for both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association. We use the same stringent guidelines in authenticating and confirming the provenance of celebrity memorabilia, antique advertising, and coin ops, including the Seattle World’s Fair machines that we’ll soon be auctioning.â€
Russek continued: “When it comes to any type of antique or collectible, buyers want an assurance that they are getting exactly what the auction catalog has represented. This is where the rubber meets the road and an auction house either stands behind what it sells or it doesn’t. Grey Flannel sells only guaranteed-authentic items, and leaves no stone unturned in obtaining provenance to back it up.â€
Consignments of coin-operated machines, as well as sports memorabilia, antique advertising or other amusements, are currently being accepted for the May 14 auction. Contact Grey Flannel Auctions by calling 631-288-7800 or e-mail gfcsports@aol.com.
