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• Don’t polish belt buckles unless you plan to keep • How much is it
them. Polishing compounds will remove a lot of the worth? Values range
natural color that comes from age, and that tends to dramatically, so I recom-
hurt the value. Collectors usually prefer the natural mend researching similar
patina and original condition. items for sale on online
• Condition matters a lot for belt buckles. Look for marketplaces. Using the
damage on the back including broken or missing loops advanced search features
(where the belt attaches) and also broken-off pins/ on eBay to view only
prongs (the part that goes through the hole in the belt). items that have already
• Who made it? Figuring out the manufacturer or sold can be enlightening.
artist can make a big difference in value and salability if Title image: A portion of the Studying the market and
the buckle is linked to a particular person or company. Author’s collection of vintage assessing the condition
• What’s it made from? Belt buckles made from belt buckles. and rarity can help you
precious metals like gold and silver are obviously more estimate what your buckle
valuable, but solid brass buckles tend to be better than At left: Promotional poster with is worth.
plated ones. They’re more durable, heavier, and last the Bee Gees for Pacifica Rock
Star Belt Buckles, c. 1979.
longer. But this is not a firm rule, so subject matter and About the writer: Brock
quality of the artwork are important too. Lane operates multiple businesses on Etsy, eBay, and Shopify,
including an inventory of over 10,000 rare and unique
vintage belt buckles. After earning a master’s degree in
economics, Brock worked as an economist and consultant but
turned to a life of entrepreneurship instead. Now, he’s a small
business owner specializing in online retail and collectibles.
Visit Brock’s website www.BeltBuckleHistory.com for
blog articles, tips on buckle cleaning and restoration,
identification, and more – all about belt buckles. You can
also follow BeltBuckleHistory on X – formerly Twitter –
(@VintageBuckles) or visit Brock’s Etsy shop at
www.alaskashinythings.etsy.com. To reach Brock with any
questions/comments visit www.beltbucklehistory.com/contact

Far left: Counter displays for belt buckles made by BTS. Catalog
photo c. 1978.
Left: Advertisement from the Basically Buckles Magazine for the
Eagle State Seal Collection by Award Design Medals.

Put Your Money On Your Buckles

Don Ellis Palomino Buckle Civil War Buckle
and Belt Sold: $2,375
Sold: $8,850 At: Heritage Auctions
At: Brian Lebel’s Old West Civil War Confederate
Auction, 2017 two-piece waist belt
This beautiful and striking buckle is buckle from Antietam,
made from sterling and three-color made into a brooch.
14K gold, hand engraved by Don Gilded brass two-piece
Ellis, and mounted with a gold waist belt buckle in excel-
horse. The top edge of the buckle is lent condition, the reverse
mounted with gold flowers. Double with added pin/catch. The family provenance letter that accompanies it
marked with the “Karl’s/Seattle/Sterling/14K” mark. 2 1/4” x 3 1/2”. states it was removed from a dead Confederate soldier at Antietam by
The belt has an impressive diamond supreme style. 1 1/2” wide; 42” from Dr. Samuel Shaw Stewart, Assistant Surgeon of the 123rd PA Volunteers.
the clip point to end of the leather, fits 34” to 36” waist. The brooch addition was added in commemoration of the Centennial of
the Civil War and that the buckle had never left the family.

20th C. Bolivian
Gaucho Belt Scott Hardy
Sold: $379.50 Buckle
At: Artemis Gallery Sold: $11,210
South America, Bolivia/ At: Brian Lebel’s Old
Argentina, ca. early 20th West Auction, 2019
century. A handsome Murray Bros. custom
gaucho cowboy tirador belt comprised of broad leather strap with a “Dragonfly” buckle with
large silver rastra (medallion), silver Bolivian coins, and nickel brass alligator belt. An amazing 3-piece custom sterling and gold buckle set,
buckles. The coins are worn but there are discernable years on three: mounted on a matching 3-section alligator belt that is joined by sterling
1891, 1917, and 1909. and sapphire mounted swivels. The buckle set is intricately engraved with
Gauchos often wore ornate belts known as tiradors, for holding the high-relief dragonfly and floral motif in sterling silver with 14K rose gold,
iconic facon knife and rebenque whip; the coins/silver medallion 14K green gold, 18K & 22K yellow gold, and blue sapphires for the drag-
proclaimed and stored his wealth – coins might be added to or taken onfly eyes. The belt is made to fit a 32” to 36” waist; the buckle is 3” x
off to pay his way. 3” with deep dome style.
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