The Vault is Opening: 127 Years in the Making

For 127 years, H Bar C Ranchwear has lived at the intersection of past and future. Since our founding in 1897, heritage has not just been part of our story... it has been our compass. In our modern era, our CEO Rick Stahl, often repeats the same advice he was given by mentors and veterans of the industry: “Above all else, stay true to your brand.” That guidance has carried us through every decision, from fabric choice to store design, and now into a new chapter of our legacy.

Unlike most manufacturers who discounted goods as they aged to maintain cash flow, H Bar C never rushed inventory out the door. As the history goes, “Seymour (Christenfeld) figured that since old goods do not eat anything, why let them go for cheap?” Over time, entire warehouses filled with merchandise — “time capsules to be picked over by cognoscenti collectors.”

That philosophy created one of the most remarkable archives in Western wear. While much of it has remained behind closed doors for more than a century, it became a touchstone for our design team — shaping Hollywood wardrobes, inspiring our modern snap shirts, and preserving the authenticity of American Western fashion.

But for the first time in company history, we are opening our vault to the public.

In select retail stores, visitors are able to shop vintage pieces in person. Now, through our website, we will begin releasing a minimal selection of archive garments to collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. These are not reproductions or reissues; they are pieces of history with possible clues to our future. Every release carries with it the story of our past, the craftsmanship that defined an era, and the inspiration that continues to drive our future.

The first collection of Vault pieces has been hand-selected by Lora, who has overseen the archive's transformation into a shoppable experience. As she explains, “Curating this collection felt like connecting the dots between generations. Each piece tells a story of rodeo arenas, Hollywood backlots, or the dance halls of the 1950s and now, those stories can live on with a new owner.”

We expect these items to move quickly. The Vault is not endless, it is a living history.

At H Bar C, we have always believed in keeping one foot in the past and one in the future. The Vault is our way of sharing both with you, the authenticity of our heritage, and the excitement of where it can take us next.

The doors are officially opening September 24th at 2PM ET.