Hamley & Co.

About Us
Hamley & Company delivers quality craftsmanship and a commitment to working cowboys and buckaroos since 1883.

Whether you're interested in our exclusive lines including leather goods, metalwork, and custom saddles created on site, or items of Western wear, accessories, or fine art--we have it at Hamley & Company.

History
1883 to 2007

The Hamley family history goes back many generations to Cornwall England, where the trade of saddle and leather craftsmanship had been passed down through many generations of Hamleys. The American history of the Hamleys began in 1850 when William Hamley moved his family from England to Rupon, Wisconsin, where he opened a small leather goods store. William’s two sons, John James (J.J.) and Henry Hamley set out from Wisconsin in 1883 with two railroad tickets and $10.00 in cash, bound for Ashton, South Dakota where they established Hamley and Co. After three successful years, regional crop failures and depression forced them to relocate and move to Kendrick, Idaho. Henry Hamley passed away in 1894. Business was good, but a couple of major building fires left the Hamleys no choice but to relocate. In 1905 J.J. relocated to Pendleton, Oregon and set up shop on the Oregon Trail in the same building that exists to this day. Hamley was known as a harness and saddle maker, but the business soon developed around its saddles and became known throughout the west as the maker of “the finest saddles man could ride”.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT HAMLEY HISTORICAL EVENTS

1905—J.J.’s son Lester joins the firm.

1909—Lester convinces a “skeptical” J.J. to publish the first “Hamley Cowboy Catalog”. Annual publication and distribution of the Hamley catalog continued for 60 years and became a trusted source of quality western products for families across America. Old Hamley catalogs are highly collectible today.

1910—The first Pendleton Round up. J.J. Hamley was instrumental in organizing the first Round up and served as a Director for many years. Over the years Hamley and Co. has provided over 80 Round up Trophy saddles. Many world champions have ridden Hamley saddles.