Col. Littleton, The Great American Leather Company

In the heart of small-town America, in Lynnville, Tennessee, you’ll find a place where fine leather goods are more than just products. That place is Colonel Littleton, The Great American Leather Company, and at its center is the man himself, Colonel Garry Littleton, a true Southern gentleman with a knack for storytelling, a respect for tradition, and an eye for exceptional craftsmanship.

The Colonel’s journey into the world of fine goods wasn’t the result of a grand plan but more of a happy twist of fate. In the mid-1980s, his work brought him into some of the finest men’s stores in the country. While they carried impeccable clothing and accessories, he noticed something missing: a selection of distinctive, high-quality gifts that matched the caliber of the rest of their merchandise. That gap sparked an idea. In 1987, he purchased 17 pairs of vintage cufflinks, designed elegant packaging for them by hand, and took them to a few of the stores he visited. By the time he returned home, all 17 pairs were sold. That first spark lit a fire, and the Colonel Littleton brand was born.

From cufflinks, the Colonel moved into collectible pocket knives, crafting them with the same care and attention as artisans from a century ago. Personalization became a signature part of his work. For him, a keepsake wasn’t just something you owned, it was something with a story, something that could be passed down through generations. He often asked, “What would you take for your granddaddy’s pocket knife with his name and the date he received it engraved on the handle?” The answer, of course, was that it would be priceless.

Over time, the collection expanded into finely crafted leather goods, home and office accessories, belts, hats, and more. Every piece is still designed by the Colonel himself, then brought to life by skilled local craftspeople in the company’s Lynnville workshop. These artisans hand-cut, hand-sew, and hand-finish each product, using premium leathers and materials, ensuring every stitch meets the highest standard. Nothing here is rushed or mass-produced. The focus is on quality, longevity, and a sense of timelessness that honors the days when things were built to last.

The Colonel is as much a part of the brand’s identity as the products themselves. With his signature style, warm humor, and love for connecting with people, he embodies the spirit of his company. He’s a collector at heart, a man who draws inspiration from the past and channels it into goods that feel both nostalgic and enduring. His hope for every piece is simple: that it will serve its owner well, hold a lifetime of memories, and someday be treasured by the next generation.

Visitors to Lynnville can stop by the Colonel’s General Office and Works right in the heart of town, where the population hovers around 327. It’s a place where you can shake hands with the people who make the products, smell the rich leather as it’s being worked, and see firsthand why this little shop has earned a national reputation for excellence.

Col. Littleton isn’t just selling leather goods. He’s preserving craftsmanship and quality, where every item tells a story. And for anyone lucky enough to own a piece from The Great American Leather Company, that story is just beginning.