Alexander Wolf (1877-1947) and Jacob Klar (1884 – 1937) whose parents were immigrants from Russia and Germany, formed partnership under the name of Wolf and Klar in 1900. Initially, the young men were engaged in the jewelry trade, then opened their own store and pawn shop at 1505 Main Street in Fort Worth, Texas.

Despite the difficult times of the Great Depression of the 1920s, Wolf & Klar’s business was quite successful. It was during this time that the company became a leading supplier of firearms to Texas law enforcement agencies. This not only involved selling guns, but also creating collectible and unique models, thanks to their fine craftsmanship.

Wolf & Klar’s master engravers added nickel plating and engraving to firearms. They used various engraving styles, such as floral scrolls on a matte background or simple linear patterns. They often installed mother-of-pearl grips on revolvers. Some of these revolvers are now museum pieces, including, for example, a revolver that belonged to mob boss Al Capone.

Business expansion

Continuous growth led to expansion and the opening of branches in other states. In 1946, the company announced expansions to New York City at 36 West 47th Street and Providence at the New Industrial Trust Building.

The New York office was managed by George A. Gary and Milton Wodiska, both well-known in the jewelry industry. Dave Small, well-known in Eastern and Midwestern jewelry circles, was responsible for the Providence office. Wolf & Klar Wholesale Jewelry Co operated not only in the continental United States but also in Alaska, Hawaii, and London.

The Alaskan office was headed by Roy Douglas, and the Hawaiian office by J.H. Bryan. Notably, fifteen salespeople worked throughout the country, and C. A. Priest served as sales manager.

C.R. Lang

In the early 1940s, C.R. Lang joined the company as a partner, and then as general manager. The company’s headquarters at this time was a modern five-story building with approximately 36,000 square feet of space. The large space was necessary to accommodate wholesale jewelry sales.

Other company executives included M.L. Winkler, general merchandising manager; C.G. Adair, general sales manager; and P.S. Barton, chief financial officer.

Fiftieth anniversary

Wolf & Klar Jewelry Company Celebrated 50 Years of Operations in 1949. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Wolf & Klar Wholesale Jewelry Co of Fort Worth, Texas, was honored with a reception hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce on the evening of November 14, 1949. C.R. Lang was present as the guest of honor and company representative.

According to business directories of Texas, the firm of Wolf and Klar changed its name several times – Wolf & Klar wholesale supply Co, Wolf & Klar Importing Co, and ceased to exist as Wolf & Klar Co in 1998.