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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.
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Lot 32

Important MESDA Documented Virginia Chippendale Walnut Secretary Bookcase

Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000
Current Bid
$4,000

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

attributed to the Winchester area, Virginia, late 18th century, yellow pine secondary, upper case with dentil and pierced pediment over two glazed doors opening to an adjustable shelved interior, lower case with fitted desk over four finely dovetailed drawers with brass bail pulls, drawers flanked by fluted quarter columns, on ogee bracket feet, keys included, 87-3/4 x 41-1/4 x 23-1/2 in.

Provenance: Descended in McGuire Family of Winchester, Virginia; Sotheby's, New York, sold June 30, 1983, lot 351; Collection of Thomas A. Gray, sold Brunk Auctions, March 29, 2010, lot 42; Estate of Joe and Betsy Byerly, Greensboro, North Carolina

 

Note: This piece was recorded by MESDA as reference number S-11169; illustrated in Elizabeth D. Garret "Living with Antiques: A House in the North Carolina Piedmont", The Magazine Antiques, December, 1997, pp. 846-853.

 

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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.

Descended in McGuire Family of Winchester, Virginia; Sotheby's, New York, sold June 30, 1983, lot 351; Collection of Thomas A. Gray, sold Brunk Auctions, March 29, 2010, lot 42; Estate of Joe and Betsy Byerly, Greensboro, North Carolina

 

refinished with sun fading, top front pediment molding replaced, pediment now secured with screws, bullet hole to glass resulting in cracks to that pane, one other pane with loss, shelf with splintered crack, prospect door with loose escutcheon and chip loss around keyhole, fallboard with replaced hinges and associated patches, all feet facings expertly ended out, loss to molding where top meets base, other minor patches and restoration 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.