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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 109

Short Land Pattern British Brown Bess Flintlock Musket

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500
Current Bid
$750

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

circa 1790s, smooth bore .75 cal., round and tapered 42-1/4 in. barrel, "Crown / GR / Broad Arrow" proof mark above "Crown / Crossed Swords" proof mark near breech, small stamped "MB" on left side of barrel near breech, sight on top of barrel near muzzle, lock plate with double line borders, marked with "Crown / GR" in front of cock, "small crown with arrow" ordinance mark stamped under pan, "TOWER" stamped vertically behind cock, walnut full stock, brass ramrod guides and thimble, side plate, trigger guard, butt plate, and shield on wrist, iron swivels, carved "1st R / CBM" next to a large backwards "B" on right side of stock, indiscernible small "crown" stamp behind rear of trigger guard tang, several proof marks in the fore most ramrod channel, 58 in. overall

Provenance: 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.

Estate of Joe and Betsy Byerly, Greensboro, North Carolina

oxidized bore, dark brown patina with pitting to exterior of barrel, worn proof marks, pitting on cock and frizzen, clear marks on the lock plate, stock with dings, abrasions, and staining throughout, 2 in. split to left side of stock, small split in wood at front of lock plate, other minor separations in grain, dent and abrasions to front ramrod guide, dent to trigger guard, butt plate with abrasions and dings, wear and dings to other metal components, pitting on ramrod, cock, frizzen, and trigger appear to function correctly 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.