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Estate of Joe and Betsy Byerly | January 29, 2026

Thu, Jan 29, 2026 10:00AM EST

2026-01-29 10:00:00 2026-01-29 10:00:00 America/New_York Brunk Auctions Brunk Auctions : Estate of Joe and Betsy Byerly | January 29, 2026 https://live.brunkauctions.com/auctions/brunk/estate-of-joe-and-betsy-byerly-january-29-2026-20715 A full day of objects from the personal collection of Betsy and Joe Byerly of Greensboro, NC. Founded in 1937 by Joe’s parents, Byerly Antiques became a tradition by focusing on Joe’s passion towards Southern furniture. As a founding member of MESDA in Old Salem, NC, he earned the respect of curators, historians, and collectors who depended on his remarkable expertise. We are honored to bring this collection to the market. Of note are a Swisegood walnut corner cupboard along with five pieces of MESDA documented furniture, Southern furniture, paintings, pottery, and decorative arts objects. Brunk Auctions support@brunkauctions.com

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Lot 68

Dave McGary, Bear's Nest

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000

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Current Bid

$1,800

[2 Bids]Bidding History

Bid increments chart

Bid Increments

Price	Bid Increment
$0	$25
$100	$50
$1,000	$100
$2,000	$200
$3,000	$250
$5,000	$500
$10,000	$1,000
$20,000	$2,000
$50,000	$5,000
$100,000	$10,000

(American, 1958-2013)

1994, maquette edition 19/50, from the Warriors Series, signed and editioned on base verso, patinated and polychromed bronze on rotating wood base, approximately 23-3/4 x 17 x 12 in.

Provenance: Estate of Joe and Betsy Byerly, Greensboro, North Carolina

Note: In 1984, sculptor Dave McGary spent the summer at the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana, where he met a man named Bears Nest, the great-grandson of an Oglala Sioux warrior who bore the same name. The elder Bears Nest fought in the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876, and through stories carefully passed down within the family, his descendant was able to share with McGary detailed accounts of his ancestor’s role in the battle, as well as descriptions of his traditional weaponry and attire. This lot is accompanied by artist pamphlets and other ephemera regarding the artist's work and this specific sculpture.

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Purchased items will be available for pick up or shipping from our Asheville, North Carolina auction facility within ten business days of the auction, or will be assessed a storage fee of $5.00 per day, per item. Purchaser agrees that packing and shipping is done at the purchaser's risk and that the purchaser will pay in advance all packing expenses, materials, carrier fees and insurance charges. At our discretion, items will either be packed by an agent such as a packaging store or Brunk Auctions. Please allow two weeks for shipping after payment is received. Shipment of large items is the responsibility of the purchaser. We are happy to provide names of carriers and shippers if a purchaser so requests. Brunk Auctions will have no liability for any loss or damage to shipped items.

Estate of Joe and Betsy Byerly, Greensboro, North Carolina

surface dirt, lacking two feathers on cloth of shield proper lower left, both of the detached feathers accompanying sculpture, base with some surface abrasions Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.

Estate of Joe and Betsy Byerly | January 29, 2026

Dave McGary, Bear's Nest

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