Grey Flannel Auctions - Thoughts and Experiences?

[Kevlo17]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been following the last several auctions from Grey Flannel and they always appear to have an amazing selection of game used items. However, it seems like most pieces lack any material information about the item and most have no COA or documentation (Typically just says “presented to us as game used and tagged appropriately”). Wanted to see if anyone here has bought from them in the past – I’m typically skeptical of game used items unless there is solid authentication and/or provenance, and the lack of information has raised red flags that have kept me from bidding in the past, and so far in this one. Curious for anyone’s thoughts/experience on Grey Flannel. Thanks!

[rand1com]

I buy from them from time to time but only Game Used items with PSA/DNA LOAs.

Many of their items do come with legitimate LOAs and they are obviously a pretty big player in the hobby. But, I would stay away from items "presented to us as game used and show proper use in our opinion" in most instances.

They certainly have their own experts who examine all the game used items and Richard Russek, the principal owner, has been in the hobby for years.

He used to do a TV show that revealed some of his finds and how he investigated the items for legitimacy.

They obviously get some extremely high valued items consigned and I would consider them a major auction player.

[mrozie21]

They can definitely have some great items and I’ve bought quite a few jerseys and stadium items over the last 15 years or so. I would do my homework as there phrase of presented as game used is a joke.

[theshleps]

I cant comment on authenticity but I consigned to them about 10 years ago and of all the companies I have consigned with I was treated the poorest with them and they took the highest commission. I do not think I will ever consign to them again

[perezfan]

They provide their own LOAs when there is not one from Mears or PSA. As mentioned, they are not the easiest to work with, but they are reputable in my opinion.

[Mark17]

I have won several flannel jerseys from their auctions. I think they're pretty good about noting restorations, which is the main concern for me. I've had no problems with them.

What I find interesting is that their name was founded on their original specialty - GU flannel baseball jerseys. In their current auction, over 1,000 lots, they're offering, by my count, just 15 such shirts. I attribute this to the popularity of other sports, and the relative scarcity of flannels (which, by definition, are over 53 years old.)

[keithsky]

To me when they say " presented to us as game used" why in the world as a reputable auction company would you not have the item authenticated by a reputable company or person. To me it's to avoid any blame on them and pure laziness to take the time to do it. All they have to do is charge the consignor for the cost if they want to consign the item. Don't put some worthless statement saying "presented to us as game used". Personally I would never buy based on that but that's just me.

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by keithsky

To me when they say " presented to us as game used" why in the world as a reputable auction company would you not have the item authenticated by a reputable company or person. To me it's to avoid any blame on them and pure laziness to take the time to do it. All they have to do is charge the consignor for the cost if they want to consign the item. Don't put some worthless statement saying "presented to us as game used". Personally I would never buy based on that but that's just me.

I think you're right, in that their language seems to be designed to give them cover. However, they are also very long-time dealers in GU items, and they know what they're doing. I don't think they just take and list anything that someone tells them is GU.

[puckpaul]

I dont trust their stuff at all and wouldnt buy unless you can do other homework that proves authenticity. I rarely participate in their auctions. They have gotten some good stuff, shocking to me that they get those consignments given the general inferiority of their work presentation relative to other top auction houses. That said, they do seem to attract serious bidders and get great prices sometimes.

[yanks4]

Originally Posted by puckpaul

I dont trust their stuff at all and wouldnt buy unless you can do other homework that proves authenticity. I rarely participate in their auctions. They have gotten some good stuff, shocking to me that they get those consignments given the general inferiority of their work presentation relative to other top auction houses. That said, they do seem to attract serious bidders and get great prices sometimes.

I agree completely………..and don’t understand the lack of information. Lelands is another one that at times writes a very gray description. It’s gotta hurt the consigner and themselves………why not tell the whole story, get a legitimate LOA unless you are trying to cover up something. Also sometimes in your search all the jerseys don’t come up because they were inconsistent in the title and write up…REA is normally quite precise in their descriptions …which is I am sure is appreciated by all collectors.

[batsballsbases]

I have always trusted Richard and Andy for many years... Sometimes LOAs wernt always available... I bought this way back in the day... From Andy. No letter. Has been photo matched to game 1 2 and 6... Game used world series. Game 6 being the 3 home run reggie jackson game... Very unique pattern on the numbers.. Looking at the 5 presses right up on the pinstripe... Munson has always been my favorite player.. I bought this around 1984.. Sometimes photos are better than an LOA

[ejharrington]

I purchased a jersey with that disclaimer in the description and had it authenticated by a reputable third party (Miedema). It passed.