Over the past few months I’ve lost weight, 29 ½ pounds as of this morning. I’ve had to purchase a few new trousers and alter some of the better ones. I try not to purchase or alter too many as it is unclear what my final stable weight will be.
This as introduction to the topic of this post – belts and buckles.
Perhaps as many, I didn’t really put much thought into belts. A black one, a brown one, a belt to wear with jeans was about it. But as my belts started to need additional holes I came to the understanding that one belt in my closet required no modification. This was an older Rolf brand belt with an inexpensive engine turned slide compression buckle that I had purchased years ago. No holes, no problem.
Belts for use with engine turned slide buckles, as contrasted to plaque and pin buckle belts, require no holes as the belt is held firmly in place by a compression ridge at the buckle hinge. The belt itself is fully adjustable and not limited to hole spacing. Not too loose, not too tight, just right.
Research indicated the best of the engine turned slide buckles came from Tiffany & Co. A very nice buckle available only in sterling and quite expensive. There are similar buckles sold by Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers and other high end apparel merchants, but the design and quality of the Tiffany version is the consensus favorite of those who discuss this type of thing. However, these buckles are only made in sterling, and any gold ones I found (Ben Silver) was sterling with gold plating.
I discovered that Trafalgar sells a buckle that is the same design as the Tiffany, and is available with gold plating over brass for a 1 3/16 belt. Much less expensive. Trafalgar also has slide buckles for 1” belts. I further discovered Trafalgar has 20% off online sales twice a year. July was the one I lucked into so the next should be in the December/January area. Ebay is always an option, but many offerings are engraved and/or beat up to the point that professional polishing may be required. Another problem is the size belt the buckle fits. Most will be for 1” belts, but vintage belts may have been thinner than today’s.
I now have a Trafalgar engine turned gold over brass slide buckle and two of their belt straps. Only one buckle is needed as the belt straps are made with snaps for changing out the buckle. My belt problem is solved.
This as introduction to the topic of this post – belts and buckles.
Perhaps as many, I didn’t really put much thought into belts. A black one, a brown one, a belt to wear with jeans was about it. But as my belts started to need additional holes I came to the understanding that one belt in my closet required no modification. This was an older Rolf brand belt with an inexpensive engine turned slide compression buckle that I had purchased years ago. No holes, no problem.
Belts for use with engine turned slide buckles, as contrasted to plaque and pin buckle belts, require no holes as the belt is held firmly in place by a compression ridge at the buckle hinge. The belt itself is fully adjustable and not limited to hole spacing. Not too loose, not too tight, just right.
Research indicated the best of the engine turned slide buckles came from Tiffany & Co. A very nice buckle available only in sterling and quite expensive. There are similar buckles sold by Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers and other high end apparel merchants, but the design and quality of the Tiffany version is the consensus favorite of those who discuss this type of thing. However, these buckles are only made in sterling, and any gold ones I found (Ben Silver) was sterling with gold plating.
I discovered that Trafalgar sells a buckle that is the same design as the Tiffany, and is available with gold plating over brass for a 1 3/16 belt. Much less expensive. Trafalgar also has slide buckles for 1” belts. I further discovered Trafalgar has 20% off online sales twice a year. July was the one I lucked into so the next should be in the December/January area. Ebay is always an option, but many offerings are engraved and/or beat up to the point that professional polishing may be required. Another problem is the size belt the buckle fits. Most will be for 1” belts, but vintage belts may have been thinner than today’s.
I now have a Trafalgar engine turned gold over brass slide buckle and two of their belt straps. Only one buckle is needed as the belt straps are made with snaps for changing out the buckle. My belt problem is solved.
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