It was 1972, the Dallas Cowboys won the Super Bowl, stamps cost 10 cents, and Walter Vilsmeier started calling auctions at his new company, Vilsmeier Auction Co. Inc. in Montgomeryville, PA.

More than 2,000 absolute auctions later, Vilsmeier has decided to put down his auction gavel, enjoy some time off and sell his company to Michael Hunyady, former Vilsmeier employee and owner and founder of Hunyady Auction Company, Hatfield, PA.

Hunyady began his auctioneering career with the Vilsmeier Auction Co. in 1979, and worked there for 10 years. It was there that Hunyady learned the auction business, which laid the groundwork for his successful solo venture in 1990.

When Vilsmeier approached Hunyady to sell his company, the moved seemed natural to the pair that share similar values.

“Both Hunyady Auction Company and Vilsmeier Auction Co. are run with the highest commitment to the absolute method,” said Hunyady. “The two companies will complement each other very well.”

Added Vilsmeier: “There aren’t many people who operate the way we do. Michael is the right guy to do the job; he’ll represent the company the best.”

Vilsmeier Auction Co. will operate as a division of Michael J. Hunyady Inc., and will continue to offer the best in auction and sealed bid services.

“There’s tremendous potential with the union of the two companies,” said Hunyady. “The expertise and talent, depth and experience that the employee base of the two companies have is outstanding. You would be hard-pressed to find another absolute auction company that has what we have.”

Vilsmeier will continue his relationship with the auction company on a consultancy basis.