 |
Special thanks to
David Stoecklein for
allowing us to use photos
from his great book on
western buckles. Click the picture above to order this book or many other Dave Stoecklein books |
|
|
WELCOME TO BUCKLES.COM
This site is for all things related to the art of the western buckle and its history. There is a place for buckle discussions where you can post questions or comments relating to buckles. Be sure to check out the maker's galleries of photographs. The owner of this site is one of the premier buckle collectors in the country and has a great knowledge of all things buckle related. The site is open to all who have an interest, but you must register to post. Click on any photo for a larger image. HISTORY
The history of the western buckle as we know it is predominately a Twentieth Century one. Prior to 1900 most common buckles resembled large shoe buckles or military types.
From 1900 to the beginning of the 1920's there were few trophy and ranger style western buckles apparently produced by custom shops. It wasn't until the movie industry created the popular western heros that ornate western buckles, saddles etc. gained a widespread popularity.
About this time, the early twenties, a number of west coast companies started to produce in quantity fancy sterling and gold buckles. Edward H. Bohlin, Michael Srour, John McCabe, Keyston Bros., and R. Schaezlein were among those catering to the new demands not only of the Hollywood elite but of the public in general. Companies in other parts of the country soon followed suit. Texas names such as Hollands, Nelson Co., R.W. Driskell and Graves Malone among others started a little later in the 1930's. The popularity of these companies or their successors continues to this day.
Today it's hard to even find a man of the west that is not wearing either a trophy or ranger style buckle set. In many cases it's one that has been won or handed down through the generations as a family heirloom. Many a cowboy's proudest possession is that buckle won after years of pain and hard work in the rodeo arena or the buckle that grandpa wore. And no, it's not for sale at any price.
The western buckle as we know it today is uniquely American, a part of our heritage and beginning to be recognized for the art form it truly is.
|
|
|
|
|
