A Baltimore businessman whose name is known worldwide in comic book distribution and collecting has bought Adamstown Antique Gallery and Morphy Auctions, both of Denver.

The fast-growing auction house, started only last year, earned more than $4 million in sales revenue in 2004.

Stephen A. Geppi, who’s also a part owner of the Baltimore Orioles, purchased the gallery, at 2000 N. Reading Road, and land around it for $1.22 million, according to a deed recorded in the county courthouse in late August. The transaction actually was completed March 1.

Dan Morphy, who formed Morphy Auctions with Tom Sage Jr., was the seller of the gallery, which opened to the public in 1997. He also sold his York Toy, Doll, Holiday & Advertising Show to Geppi.

Morphy and Sage have a 10-year contract to manage the gallery and auction house, he said. He is chief operating officer, and his partner is general manager.

Posted: 09|11|05 at 10:23 am. Filed under: US News.