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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 23

MESDA Documented North Carolina Chippendale Walnut Slant Front Desk

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Current Bid
$1,500

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

Guilford County, attributed to Henry Macy, late 18th/early 19th century, poplar secondary, dovetailed construction, finely fitted interior with figured walnut prospect door opening to two additional drawers, centered by ten serpentine drawers, four graduated drawers flanked by quarter columns, molded base, ogee bracket feet with scrolled returns, 47-1/4 x 42-1/2 x 22-3/4 in.

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

Note: This desk was recorded by MESDA as photo number D-31644. MESDA files indicate the desk "descended in the Clodfelter family of Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina; present owner acquired it in 1967 from a Lexington man who had purchased the piece from the Clodfelters c.1930", sticker to drawer interior; MESDA recorded a secretary bookcase D-31850 attributed to Henry Macy with a near identical interior.

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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

fine mellow old surface, typical wear and minor repairs, interior butterfly patches case sides, original feet and blocking with three foot facings tipped, two pigeon holes with replaced valences, brasses replaced 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.