Bidders seek treasures at Bryan and Scott Jewelers

Auctioneers chanted out prices with lightning speed. Treasure-seekers raised their hands to up the price as others wandered around Bryan and Scott Jewelers in downtown Colorado Springs.

The store that opened in the wake of the Great Depression was busy Saturday, the second day of the three-day auction that will end with the business closed for good.

“By Sunday, everything will be gone,” said owner Robert Agnolini, who is retiring. He said the so many items were sold Friday night that it looked like the store had been robbed.

“It’s a lifetime,” he said of all the items that had sold and were still to be sold, including art, china, statues and jewelry.

Longtime customers mixed with experienced auction-goers and bargain hunters. Some said they were excited at the prospect of picking up something for a good price. Others said it was sad to see the store close.

Bryan and Scott opened in the 1930s. Agnolini began working there in 1957 and took over the business in 1997. The shop, at 112 N. Tejon St., closed last month after a going-out-of-business sale.

“We’ve shopped in the store before,” said Susan Leitch, 49, of Woodland Park. She attended the auction Friday night, and said she’ll likely be back today.

“We’re here for random great stuff,” she said. “It’s stuff you don’t see regularly and suddenly it’s in range of the average person.”

Leitch said she felt bad for the owners, since items were selling far below retail price. A $1,600 pearl necklace sold Saturday for $175.

Part of the fun is watching the triumphant moments of others as they win items they wanted, Leitch said, adding that she has a few items picked out for her home, including a 17th century santos figurine.

“A sale like this always gets a different crowd,” said Wally Mosher, 69, of Colorado Springs. He used to be an antique dealer, and came to the auction to see what was available and how it sells.

Gorman Auctions of Manitou Springs, owned by Bob and Debbie Gorman, is handling the auction.

Although 74-year-old Agnolini is retiring, he will still be doing jewelry trunk shows and interior design work, among other services.

“It’s in my blood so I can’t stop,” he said.

Details

The final auction day at Bryan and Scott Jewelers starts at 8:30 a.m. Sunday with a preview. The auction starts at 10 a.m. The store is at 112/114 N. Tejon St.

—

Contact Kristina Iodice: 636-0162 Twitter @GazetteKristina Facebook Kristina Iodice