N.C. Gen. R. Prac. Super. & Dist. Ct. 14

Once any item of evidence has been introduced, the clerk (not the court

reporter) is the official custodian thereof and is responsible for its safekeeping and

availability for use as needed at all adjourned sessions of the court and for appeal.

After being marked for identification, all exhibits offered or admitted in

evidence in any cause shall be placed in the custody of the clerk, unless otherwise

ordered by the court.

Whenever any models, diagrams, exhibits, or materials have been offered into

evidence and received by the clerk, they shall be removed by the party offering them,

except as otherwise directed by the court, within 30 days after final judgment in the

trial court if no appeal is taken; if the case is appealed, within 60 days after

certification of a final decision from the appellate division. At the time of removal a

detailed receipt shall be given to the clerk and filed in the case file.

If the party offering an exhibit which has been placed in the custody of the

clerk fails to remove such article as provided herein, the clerk shall write the attorney

of record (or the party offering the evidence if he has no counsel) calling attention to

the provisions of this rule. If the articles are not removed within 30 days after the

mailing of such notice, they may be disposed of by the clerk.