The Western Belt Buckle

The cowboy belt buckle did not originate until thethe eagle in flight, or just the eagle's head.
turn of the 20th Century. Though the thought ofAnother popular design is the cowboy riding the
collecting antique belt buckles of the famousbronco, and the Confederate Flag.
cowboys who rode the ranges of the Wild WestSmaller belt buckles of less than 3 ½" inches
is nice, the reality of it was the cowboys usuallyacross are popular with women where men
wore suspenders or buckles that were derivedusually prefer belt buckles that are larger than 3
from military friction buckles. It was Hollywood½ inches across. These are typically what
and the Western Movies that gave rise to what ispeople think of when they hear "Cowboy
known today as the Western Belt Buckle.Buckles". Many of these are rodeo or stock show
From the first half of the century there weretrophy buckles.
famouse names in the manufacture of beltThe motifs, designs, and patterns on the larger
buckles. These include: Don Ellis, Michael Srour, Albelt buckles considerably diverse. Some are simply
Pecetti, William Nelson, John McCabe, Les Garica,for ornamentation, for example it may feature a
Edward H. Bohlin, and Robert Schaezlein. Todaypair of gold cowboy boots, a horseshoe design, a
there are many producers of custom bucklehorse's head, and the list goes on.
makers but these pioneers of the industry areSmaller buckles often have more elaborate
the ones that are most prized for collections.pictures to compliment their size. Horse cameos
Some of the most popular belt buckle stylesare predominantly popular, as are illustrations of
include the patriotic flag belt buckle; the Americanthe western lifestyle, such as a miniature cowboy
eagle is another common symbol on belt buckleson a bucking bronco.
and a very good seller for manufactures. TheThe western belt buckle is both rustic and stylish
eagle design varies greatly, sometimes depictingand a good bet for any collector.