History of Syl-Lee Antiques

Syl-Lee_00038The patriarch and creator of Syl-lee Antiques, Gary Zimmerman, has been running the New York antique business for over 40 years. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Hunter College in the fine art of painting, sculpture and design. He created his own works of art and worked in commercial design for famous accounts like Jade East co.

In the early 70’s Gary began buying antique art glass, jewelry and paintings. He opened his own stores in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Long Island reselling his collections. Gary was an advisor for Sotheby Park Bernet in the eighties. He continues to buy and sell antiques, fine art, jewelry and collectibles all over the United States. Currently the Syl-Lee Antiques gallery location is in the Flatiron area of New York City.

In the nineties, Gary’s daughter Marion Zimmerman Rizzo, joined her father full time. Marion studied Antique and Art Appraisal at New York University. She wrote auction catalogues and ran auctions in Long Island, Queens and Manhattan. Together Gary and Marion purchase contents of multiple private homes and estates in the New York City and Long Island area.

Marion hosts Antique events giving appraisals for charities, churches and temples in Long Island. In addition, Marion’s services are offered gratis in her local Glen Cove area as an advisor to support local charities through rummage sales. Syl-lee Antiques became a proud member of the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce in 2011.

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Adam Zimmerman, Gary’s son, joined the family antique business in 2008 with a fresh outlook reviewing the antique market. He has a Bachelors degree in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales, Miami. Adam’s gift is his endless enthusiastic research of any item. His use of technology unlocks the valuable wealth of historical information when evaluating treasures through auction records. He also works with numerous specialists and auctioneers in New York City and Long Island who have extensive knowledge about all types of rare antiques, fine art collectibles and jewelry. Adam is an Accredited Member of the Appraisers Association of America and is USPAP Compliant through August 2025.

Marnie Robbins, Gary’s youngest daughter, has been a major part of the antique business since she finished college in 2005. Her patience and understanding is a tremendous help, especially when dealing with some of our senior clientele.

Syl-Lee Antiques — NYC Antiques Buyer
Call us at (212) 366-9466 to schedule your in-home antique evaluation or contact us via email.