Offered is an authentic pair of custom-made rodeo chaps, handcrafted during the late 1940s to early 1950s. These chaps belonged to my dad. He was a ranch hand and rode rodeo in the Chadron, Nebraska area. They were custom made and have the makers tag inside - it is faded and looks like a C over 45. There were some hand made in the Nebraska prison system and labeled with a muslin tag - I have found mixed research and my dad passed a while ago and don't have the complete history.
These original chaps were made for my dad, a ranch hand and rodeo competitor and have remained in the same family for more than 70 years. Unlike modern reproductions, these are genuine working rodeo chaps built for use in the arena and on the ranch.
Constructed from heavy brown roughout leather, they feature long hand-cut fringe, decorative white leather/rawhide inlay accents, and sturdy original hardware. The quality of craftsmanship reflects the work of an experienced custom leather artisan from western Nebraska.
Please review all photographs carefully.
These chaps have been carefully preserved and display beautifully while retaining their authentic character.
Authentic custom rodeo chaps from the late 1940s and early 1950s are becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially examples that remain in original condition with their maker's label still attached.
Whether displayed in a Western collection, museum-quality exhibit, ranch home, or cowboy memorabilia collection, these chaps represent an era of handcrafted American Western craftsmanship that is seldom available today.