The Australian Stock Saddle
and the Saddlers that made them
WALTHER & STEVENSON
OSWALD CHARLES WALTHER 1878 - 1935
GEORGE R STEVENSON 1863 - 1918
Walther & Stevenson was a well known saddlery, then toy store, in Sydney from the 1910s to the late 1950s.
The business started life as a saddlery and harness maker's in 1910, when two men named Oswald Charles Walther and George Stevenson bought the long running saddlery (67 years) named W H Simpson & Son at 383 George Street, Sydney.
The Sydney Stock and Station Journal wrote a small article on the takeover. "We have received a big and very elaborate catalogue full of description and illustrations of saddlers and harness-makers' goods. It comes from Messrs. Walther and Stevenson, the new firm now established in the business formerly carried on by Messrs W. H. Simpson and Son, at 383 George-street. For many years Messrs. O. C. Walther and George Stevenson were connected with the firm of Messrs. C. H. Walther and Co., of Hunter St, and Mr. F. F. Andrew, who was in command at the same establishment has taken service with Messrs. Walther and Stevenson. The new firm has stepped into an old established business, and as they have the right to expect much fresh patronage they ought soon to have a really big manufacturing concern in the saddlery and harness-making line."
The firm continued to impress with a further report two years later [Sydney Stock and Station Journal]. "This firm were well to the front in the saddlery and harness lines. This year a special feature was made of the polo goods — this is the polo season. In addition. 'Queensland Park' saddles, stock saddles, 'Wieneke' saddles, racehorse clothing, whips, heavy Ballarat collars, carriage and buggy harness, and station harness, were arrayed. The exhibits were pictures of workmanship and finish."
The above article was followed by the Worker Wagga penning an article later in the year of 1912 espousing the quality of their goods. 'A visit to the workshops of Messrs Walther and Stevenson, reveals a scene of activity and harmony. This firm do not crow about their virtues, probably on the assumption that 'good wine needs no bush,' nevertheless they are in every respect a company worthy from patronage from country residents. They do not attempt the impossible task of getting good work out of cheap labour, and therefore employ only reliable trade unionists in all their harness making and saddlery departments. The result is high-class goods at reasonable prices. A new type being introduced is Macmillan leather, a flexible strong article particularly suitable for bridles. This leather is not affected by the weather, and is practically untearable. Messrs. Walther and Stevenson invite enquiry in all branches of their business, and send catalogues and price lists on application.'
Sydney Royal Show Exhibit, 1913
In reference to the 1913 photo above, could that be Walther (35) on the left and Stevenson (49) on the right given their age difference when taking over Simpson's store, three years previous?
Walther & Stevenson display window in 1923
In 1935, the question was asked in the newspapers -
COWBOY SADDLE Will it Supercede the Australian Stock Saddle?
Since the cowboy team, headed by Johnny Schneider, champion cowboy of U.S.A., has been in Australia, cattle-men have been taking a keener interest in cowboy saddles. They have watched these accomplished riders of the horned saddle flicking their lariats over the horns of a beast, doing what usually has to be done in a crush or stock yard, and the ease with which it is done appeals to them.
Walther and Stevenson, Ltd., have been making cowboy saddles for many years, and their saddles are being successfully used on stations where the value of these saddles is understood. While down at the Easter Show you will have an opportunity of seeing the cowboys at work, and also Miss Greenough, the American cowgirl, on the saddle Walther and Stevenson built for her.
Competing with them will be Lance Skuthorpe, the Australian roughrider, on his Walther and Stevenson "Cattle Poley," and his sister, Violet, on her "Bundy" stock saddle.
Lance Skuthorpe says the seat and exceptionally narrow grip in his saddle enables him to sit a real rough buck without using the reins or holding on to the saddle or horse. Walther and Stevenson will not be exhibiting at the Show Ground, so make a note to call .and see their extensive range of saddles, including English-made hunting saddles and Australian and cowboy types, among which you will be sure to find your own ideal of what a good saddle should be.
Miss Alice Greenough riding in her Walther and Stevenson 'Texas Ranger' cowboy saddle in 1935 at the Sydney Royal
The advertisement above was printed in 1950 so Walther and Stevenson were still making saddles at that time. It seems that they ventured into toys in the late 1920's as in 1930, a Sydney newspaper had answered a reader's query as to where to buy rubber for model 'planes by saying it was available at Walther & Stevenson. As George Stevenson died in 1918 and Oswald Walther died in 1935, management of the store had obviously found a niche in the market to increase the takings in the business. 1957 was the last year that any mention could be made of Walther and Stevenson. Research has not found when the store actually closed.
Reference: State Library of NSW