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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 29

North Carolina Tooled Leather Key Basket with Key Collection

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Starting Bid
$1,000

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

mid 19th century, green fabric lined interior, metal fixtures to bases of handle application, together with a note from a previous owner reading "Grand Mother Bullock's Key Basket/made in 1850/Mrs. W. G. Waltz" and verso "Made by one of Hugh McAden's sons for Henrietta Fleming. H. McA. owned and operated a Tan yard at old Oak Hill, Granville Co. The business specialized in fine leathers. Cousin Fannie told me this - KBR.", 6 x 6-1/2 x 3-1/4 in.; together with 40 keys, five winders, and wrought iron belthook keychain

Provenance: Leland Little, Hillsborough, North Carolina, Fine & Decorative Arts Auction, December 4, 2010, lot 314; Estate of Joe and Betsy Byerly, Greensboro, North Carolina

 

 

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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.

Leland Little, Hillsborough, North Carolina, Fine & Decorative Arts Auction, December 4, 2010, lot 314; Estate of Joe and Betsy Byerly, Greensboro, North Carolina

 

wear commensurate with age and use, loss to interior fabric lining, some loss to stitching at two corners, some cracking and tears to bases of handle; keys with wear commensurate with age and use 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.