Schell Leather Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Leather goods manufacturing |
| Founded | Various reported dates: 1865, 1870, 1901, or 1925 |
| Founder | Albert Schell, Charles J. Schell |
| Headquarters | St. Petersburg , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Charles Schell (former general manager and leather buyer), Stephen Hahn (president from 1968) |
| Products | Carrying cases and bags made from leather, vinyl, plastic, nylon, synthetic fabrics |
The Schell Leather Company—also referred to as Schell Leather Goods, Schell Leather Goods Company, or Schell Inc.—is a U.S.-based producer specializing in carrying cases and bags crafted from materials such as leather, vinyl, plastic, nylon, and various synthetic fabrics. Initially headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the firm maintained operations there for over one hundred years before transitioning its base to St. Petersburg, Florida.
History
The enterprise was established by Albert and Charles J. Schell, though historical records differ on the precise founding date, listing years including 1865, 1870, 1901, or 1925. The business continued functioning at least through 1985.
By the year 1929, Schell’s manufacturing plant was situated at 1015 Race Street in Cincinnati. During the early to late 1930s, the company relocated to a two-story facility measuring 100 by 100 feet at 2965 Central Parkway. Operations persisted at this location until no earlier than 1959. Between 1959 and 1962, Schell moved again to 242 West McMicken Avenue, where it remained active through at least 1967. In 1980, both the corporate headquarters and production facilities were shifted to St. Petersburg, Florida.
Charles Schell held the position of general manager and leather buyer for roughly 35 years, overseeing daily operations. Ownership transferred in 1968 when Stephen Hahn purchased the company from the Schell family and assumed the role of president. Under Hahn’s direction, Schell acquired a Chicago-based manufacturer specializing in plastic cases and centralized its manufacturing processes in Florida. Annual sales expanded to an estimated $6.5 million (adjusted for inflation to current values). Additionally, Schell controlled Action Leathercraft, Inc., located in Commerce, California, and managed subsidiaries such as Allstate Custom Cases and Lords Business Cases.