Company Information

Thank you for your interest in Bunte Auction Services. We thought a little history regarding the formation of our company would be helpful. Since the merger of Butterfield with Dunning’s in 1998 and their subsequent move to downtown Chicago we saw a need for a mid-size suburban auction firm. With encouragement from both buyers and consignors we have established what we see as a much needed service. Our decision to remain in Elgin was driven by the desire of those same buyers and consignors. We will strive to create a customer friendly company with ethics, fairness and integrity paramount in all decisions made.

 The owners of this business are Kevin Bunte and Kerry Bunte. Kevin has been in the auction business for over 25 years. Alden Malley, his Grandfather, was the Dunning’s photographer for many years and convinced him to apply for a temporary job back in 1984. This job originated on the truck picking up estates and quickly turned into more than an interim occupation. As the years passed and his interest in the business expanded his job moved to inside the gallery and in 1989 Kevin attended the Missouri Auction School. He is a member of both the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) and the Illinois State Auctioneers Association (ISAA). In 1991 he started his first year at the Certified Auction Institute (CAI) at Indiana University. As far as Kevin’s personal life he has lived in the Elgin area his entire life except for a stint as a Law Enforcement Officer with the Air Force. With Joanne his wife of 27 years, he has been blessed with two children, Samantha and David ages 24 and 21.

Kerry started in this line of work 20 years ago and like his brother began on the truck, and now is involved in almost all aspects of the business. His major responsibilities have been in managing the gallery and staff, making sure the auctions run smooth pre to post-sale. Kerry has also lived in the Elgin area his entire life. Kevin and Kerry have had the opportunity to travel around the country setting up and selling auctions in many states including New York, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, California and New Mexico. Many of our employees are former Dunnings staff members, who have a true love for the business and wanted to remain in this line of work. Both Kevin and Kerry have taught appraisal classes for the NAA. 

            We have been fortunate enough to have been chosen to auction some interesting consignments and estates.  When the Medina Temple, a 90 year Chicago landmark was closing, we were picked to sell the contents.  Our firm was selected to auction the estates of Federal Judge Abraham Lincoln Marovitz, Frances S. Higgins (Higgins Glass), W. Clement Stone, Alexandra Armour and Ann Landers as well as collections being deaccessioned  from many Midwestern Museums. 

Our auctions are normally held the last weekend of each month, with many  specialty auctions included such as Arms and Armor, American Indian, Americana and Decorative Arts. Quality consignments are always being accepted for future auctions. If there is anything we can do for you as either a buyer or seller or just to answer a question, please give us a call.