Morphy Auctions Acquires Las Vegas-based Victorian Casino Antiques, Industry Leaders in Gambling and Coin-op Auctions

DENVER, Pa., Aug. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Dan Morphy, president and founder of Morphy Auctions in Denver, Pa., today confirmed his company's acquisition of Victorian Casino Antiques (VCA), a Las Vegas-based auction house that specializes in vintage gambling/coin-op machines and antique advertising. The purchase adds the Western-states presence Morphy has long felt essential to positioning his firm as a national entity.

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"We are now a coast-to-coast business," Morphy said. "Las Vegas is California's playground and is only a 4-hour drive from Los Angeles. It will be a convenient destination for both consignors and bidders from the West Coast."

Victorian Casino Antiques' long-established corporate name will be retained, with the new tagline "a Morphy Auctions company." VCA's current staff of 15 employees will be retained, and additional staff will be hired.

"Morphy's is a full-service auction house. We sell everything – fine and decorative art, furniture, antique guns and even classic cars. Las Vegas needs an experienced auction house that can handle all types of antiques and estate goods in addition to the specialties shared by Victorian Casino and Morphy's. We will be fulfilling a need in the local community, while also serving consignors from surrounding states," Morphy said.

Peter Sidlow, 77, has served as president of VCA since 2002 and will continue in that role.

"I will be working for Morphy's, now, which is a top-notch organization that I'm thrilled to be part of. But instead of being involved with day-to-day operations, much of my job, now, will consist of representing the company at shows and securing consignments," Sidlow said.

Morphy praised Sidlow and his staff, describing them as "a first-class team."

"I've watched Peter for years and have nothing but admiration for him. I'm confident that blending our two companies will be an easy transition, because our business styles are very similar," Morphy said.

Typically, VCA conducts three to four auctions annually. Their events draw large crowds, a phenomenon that defies the growing trend in most other parts of the country.

"Auctions have gravitated increasingly toward the Internet, but we've continued to attract live audiences because people view Las Vegas as a destination," said Sidlow. "They come for the auction but stay on to enjoy the many other things you can do in Las Vegas." Bidders who cannot attend in person can participate in all VCA/Morphy auction events by phone, absentee or live online.

The first Victorian Casino auction jointly produced with Morphy Auctions will take place Sept. 19-21, 2014. The 1,700-lot sale features approximately 100 antique and vintage gambling machines formerly in the collection of the late William F. Harrah, founder of Harrah's Hotel and Casinos.

Morphy's is planning a January 24-25 Coin-Op & Advertising sale at the Las Vegas gallery. The company's first West Coast Classic Car Auction is tentatively scheduled for March of 2015, also in Las Vegas.

Contacts: Dan Morphy, 877-968-8880, email; Peter Sidlow, 702-382-2466, email.

Online: www.morphyauctions.com and www.vcaauction.com.

SOURCE Morphy Auctions