I’m including a little close-up photo here of the essential features of these wonderful hand-made belts from the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s. The best were made by artisans in the Southwest U.S. and Mexico but many home-leatherworkers became quite good at the craft and could rival them, or almost.
Handbags, purses, wallets and belts were the most common items made but once I saw a full set of luggage at an auction. Almost got it.
The features that distinguish these pieces from newer and less worthy ones are primarily three: 1. high quality leather 2. deep carefully-done tooling in traditional designs, with nice finishing and 3. an adjustable snap-on/off at the buckle end and high quality silver or silver-plate buckle.
Rare enough to be worth pouncing on whenever seen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .