About the new CHICAGO series

This is a series of reproductions of vintage western dress belts equipped with the rarest GIANT-GRIP buckle. We will be releasing the following six items. 

Style No.600　　RODEO-CHAMP 1st Model, Ver.36, w/Cast-glass jewel

Style No.600B   RODEO-CHAMP 1st Model, Ver.36, w/Bug-eye jewel

Style No.630　　w/Cast-glass jewel + Bug-eye jewel on the loop

Style No.640　　w/Bug-eye jewel

Style No.660　　w/Bug-eye jewel

Style No.690　　Garrison belt

The original was only sold for a short period of three years, from 1938 to 1940, making it a collector's item. This is because the GIANT-GRIP buckles production volume was smaller than that of other buckles. Most buckles on vintage western dress belts are made by North & Judd MFG, making this one a rare find. 

The BUCKLE is a reproduction of the Zig-Zag type made by GIANT-GRIP MFG. Multiple samples of the rare originals were taken, each type, and even the intricate design typical of the 1930s was beautifully reproduced. Like the original, it is made of stamped sheet metal with a nickel-plated finish. Founded in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 1863, GIANT-GRIP MFG is famous for its horseshoes. Take a look at this wacky buckle tongue, It is almost like a horseshoe! 

The JEWEL is a reproduction of the rare Bug-eye. This jewel features an insect-eye-like reflective lens design that is only used on Chicago-made western dress belts. The models equipped with Bug-eye are No. 600B, No. 640, and No. 660. No. 600 and No. 630 are European cast glass specifications. 

Reflector-jewels began to be adopted around 1939 due to the effects of World War II and the industrialization of plastics, and by the early 1940s they had monopolized the needs of major manufacturers. The Bug-eye is one of these, and during the transitional period there were also belts that combined the Bug-eye with European cast glass jewels. 

The high quality of Reflector-jewels is proof that they were produced during the Golden Age, and the application of optical technology is a feature unique to that era. Reproducing the Reflector-jewel, which has such a history and proven track record, has been one of ACE WESTERN BELTS' long-standing goals. 

Produced using injection molding, just like the original. This is a world first, but experts advanced technology has enabled the creation of a perfect jewel. Until now, reflective jewels were the privileges of vintage western dress belts, but from now on you can enjoy them to the fullest.

When reflective jewels popular era, there were also plastic jewels with simpler structures mixed in market, so they were confused with these and people interpreted "plastic jewels = cheap and inferior products." However, from now on, we hope that people will correctly interpret "REFLECTOR JEWEL = HIGH QUALITY."

The EMBOSSED DESIGN is a reproduction of a design that was only used on Chicago-made belts from the 1930s and 1940s. It is a basket pattern coordinated with a Zig-Zag pattern, just like the buckle, and is a design that only belts that inherit this lineage use have.

LASTLY ------

These days it's rare to come across a rare model vintage western dress belt, so try this product to experience the vintage atmosphere.

■All items in the CHICAGO series are pre-order.

■Pre-orders began on January 25, 2025.

■The deadline is July 25, 2025. However, pre-orders will be closed once all reservation slots are filled.

■Deliveries will be scheduled to begin in December 2025 in the order of pre-orders.

■The CHICAGO series is an in-line item, and is not a limited quantity item, but due to work schedules, we will only be accepting pre-orders for the time being.

■The belt in the photo is a prototype, so there may be slight changes to the specifications.

10th Anniversary Limited Edition "RODEO CHAMP" Early 1940's Model

Dear Customer,

Thank you very much for your constant patronage. ACE WESTERN BELTS celebrated its 10th anniversary since changing to its current organization on Aug 9 2021. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your support.

As a commemoration of the 10th anniversary and a feeling of gratitude to everyone, We sell anniversary models (LIMITED EDITION). We have reproduced the 1940’s "RODEO CHAMP" which is a collector's item. 

The belt of full grain western cowhide leather is 1 3/4 inches wide, 6 oz thickness, the embossed design has also been faithfully reproduced, with studded side white inserts. All jewels are European glass.

COLORS－Black, or Natural tan.

EVEN SIZES－30 to 38 inch waist

*PRE ORDER FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

PERIOD : Jan 1 2022 － July 31 2022

DELIVERY SCHEDULE : About 4-5 months after pre ordering

NOTE : The pre order will be closed as soon as there are no more components. And the belt in the photo is a prototype, So there is a possibility of slight specification changes.

Steer Wrestler World Champion in 1930s Ted Leroy Yochum was on this billboard advertisement for the "RODEO CHAMP". So this　belt is a true championship belt. Also most of the buckles installed on the dress belts at that time were made by NORTH & JUDD. Therefore, this belt is rare among dress belts category.

20 simulated jewels on the big two prong buckle, this is a reproduced of the GIANT GRIP. The brass plate is press molded like the original. Nickel plated finish. *The original buckle were made of two types, brass and steel.

Founded in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 1863, GIANT GRIP is famous for its horseshoes. Take a look at this wacky buckle pin! It is almost like a horseshoe. The embossed design is a combination of a basket and zigzag pattern that has been used on eastern dress belts since the 1930’s. The spots design is symmetrical, but it is laid out closer to the billet end like the original.

When I was a kid, I came across "Decorative Spots" in the wake of "Gun Leather". Their style fascinated me. And the reproduced "RODEO CHAMP" belt which is the culmination of my many years of belt research, has been completed in Dec 2021. Also, this is my culmination model for over 20 years of the vintage style western dress belt making.

Respectfully,

ACE WESTERN BELTS

STOCKMAN FARMER SUPPLY CO.

STOCKMAN FARMER SUPPLY CO. was born in 1919 just 100 years ago. The unique characteristic of the Western golden age has not changed despite the passing years. Congratulations Mr. Phillip Miller.

Specification of the belts

We think that you see it almost in the same way, but the shape of the overlays is different in the size, the design and the quantity of spots depending on original product makers. So we're based on the specification every manufacturer and it's being made. The point that an outline of an overlays and a line of spots are offset also one of the delicious of the vintage specification. Each is the small specification, but these produce the peculiar atmosphere by becoming an aggregate.

PROTOTYPE of 2018 NEW MODEL

 Reproduction of the NOVELTY BELT No.366 made by ACE WESTERN BELTS. We reproduced emboss design, shape and finish from the 1940s original belt, and Alphabet spots are made by original vintage press mold.

Comparison with the original

Upper : 1940s Original

Lower : Reproduction by ACE WESTERN BELTS

CLINCH

We are very particular about a machine for make a belt. Our use spot setting machines are made in 1920s -1950s, and the setting dies are super vintage too. Without it, clinch like a vintage will not reproduction! A work by the spot setting machine, some byproduct is made in a front side of a belt and the back side. This is the best part of the original specification

CATTLE BRANDS

Traditional western symbol cattle brands

SCARF SLIDE

Reproduction of a studded jeweled neckerchief slide made by Denver. We reproduced shape and finish from the 1950s original slide. A jewel is made by original vintage press mold, and jewel ring is an old specification too.

706union × ACE WESTERN BELTS / Lot.837 Skinny Studs Belt

We made studded skinny belt for 706union . They are very attractive 1950's style western dress belts. Those each part are painstakingly made to be as near as possible to the original specification. A longhorn buckle and a jewel ring is NOS. They are only sold by 706union .

I hope you will enjoy it!!! Reservation order is being accepted now.
http://706union.jp/ace-western-belts-lot-837-skinny-studs-belt/

Attractions × Ace Western Belts / Lot.509 Studded Belt & Lot.510 Wrist Cuff

We made studded belt for Attractions. They are very attractive 1940's east coast style western dress items. Those each part are painstakingly made to be as near as possible to the original specification. A jewel ring is NOS. They are only sold by @attractions.official and Attractions dealers.

Please enjoy the lookbook!
http://attractions.co.jp/lookbook/2017_05/

10th anniversary studs belt for Dapper's, LOT1188A

They are very attractive 1930's western style dress belts. Reproduction belts are painstakingly made to be as near as possible to the originals owned by mine that were. So buckle is a press mold solid steel like vintage. They are only sold by DAPPER'S dealers.

https://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/dappersblog/40928141.html
http://dappers.jp/

Delinquent Bros 17 F/W Collection

MONTGOMERY WARD 101 STYLE STUDDED BELT
Luminous with over 240 studs and jewels. 1 1/2 inches genuine leather belt with Attractive emboss design. Oversize solid steel buckle. Plus, luminous background behind studs so that studs SHINE IN THE DARK like a 1950's original.

Delinquent Bros

http://delinquentbros.com

Attractions 2017 AW Leather collection

The 1940's east coast style dress belt and wrist cuff.  Also the spot decoration for engineer boots. We made these it for Attractions 2017 AW Leather collection. These are very attractive items, and only sold by Attractions and their dealers.

See below

http://attractions.co.jp/lookbook/2017_05/

for Bryceland's Co.

We made these reproduction belts for Bryceland's Co. They are very attractive 1930's east coast style dress belts. A general east coast style dress belt has a double tongue buckle, but an original belt of owned by Ethandesu is a rare single tongue buckle. Also a form of alphabet also has the feature of the east coast. Reproduction belts are painstakingly made to be as near as possible to the originals owned by Ethandesu that were. So buckle is a press mold solid steel like vintage. They are only sold by Bryceland's Co. Sewing by Libertaria Works. 

brycelandsco.com
ethandesu.com

Two different CARD BELTS

Stockman farmer supply Co. No.955 in 1930's.

Reproduction belt by ACE WESTERN BELTS

Miller stockman supply Co. No.2070 in 1950's.

1950's original

Dapper's 10th Anniversary Studs Belt, LOT1188B

The buckle is original 1940's press molded solid steel. The buckle which has taken over from the maker which was making studded dress belt in a Western golden age.

Dapper's 10th Anniversary Studs Belt, LOT1188A

Comparison with the original. The center is original 1930's. The late 1930's emboss design is the characteristic of this belt.

NAME BELT

Reproduction of the 1940's Novelty Belt & Buckle Co. No.301

NEW MODEL with INDIAN DESIGN BUCKLE

INDIAN DESIGN BUCKLE was born in 1936 just 80 years ago. We are glad to be able to announce a reproduction model by INDIAN DESIGN BUCKLE in 2016.

About BUCKLE
Buckles are made of solid steel, press molded, nickel plated, stamped in the traditional Navajo design. This buckle that born in 1936 was designed by a tentative name POD company (The company name is private for some reasons), and played an active part as face of various western belts. Made by North & Judd MFG. POD company is Pioneer of a DRESS BELT.

Background of a DRESS BELT
Preface, A studded belt referred to here is a dress belt that has had fashion emphasis. It's different from the strong work belt (cowboy gear) of a gun leather and saddle manufacturer of the Lawrence and the H.H.Heiser company and etc. Stockman farmer supply company is a supplier of the DRESS BELT. And manufacture of the DRESS BELT is a POD company established in 1920's. Also saddle maker established in 1870's is a forerunner of POD company.

POD company specialized the DRESS BELT from the 1920's to the 1950's, was responding to the American various needs by novelty sense. By the way, "Made in the west by expert" in Montgomery ward catalog has means a POD company. Also, Stockman Farmer Supply Company established in 1919. There were two companies in 1.5 mile distance. Two young companies which have started at an around the same time cooperate each other.

In 1918 Philip Miller traveled to the Great American West on the advice of his doctor, and to sell hats for his family’s New York City based Miller Bros. hat company. Phillip Miller’s temporary stint in Denver evolved into a much greater journey- a lifelong love of the West and the creation of a western wear business that survives to this day. As a traveling hat salesman, Phillip became close with the farmers, ranchers and rodeo cowboys that he met, and in addition to hats, began providing them with special items (DRESS BELT etc...) they would request. This experience provided the basis for the founding of his own Denver-based business, a mail order catalog originally operated as Stockman Farmer Supply Company.

Originally the spot decorations were adopted to a harness and sporting goods. POD company installed the spots decoration to fashion, and made the DRESS BELT. The DRESS BELT was very popular. A major mail order brand also begins to sell it from the mid 1930's, and more design is born. Inlay belt, Cutout belt, Card belt, and Picture belt are a planning of POD company. POD company is also planning the buckle and emboss design for the Western belt. Also the flashy color belt (Orange and Green) was sold until in early 1930's. 1930's No.955 card belt (No.2070 is removed) are an exclusive design by Stockman farmer supply company.

Rock Mount company sold the last DRESS BELT of POD company. A component was exchanged for modern version, but the same technique as those days was adopted, and I was glad that tradition is taken over correctly. If you have a vintage DRESS BELT, please look once more. That is probably a belt with long history and tradition of POD company.

Afterword, POD company brought down the curtain on its 135 years history in 2012. We have respected POD company's traditions to produce reproduction items. The unique characteristic of the Western golden age has not change despite the passing years. We want to capture this aspect of a DRESS BELT's tradition and transmit it to the fast-moving days of today.

ACE WESTERN BELTS
Dec 2016



About NEW MODEL

No.300 and No.300H

Montgomery Ward “Better Quality” 1939 Model, Made in the West by expert

A reproduction of the 1930's model by Montgomery word. We reproduced the emboss and an inlay design in faithfully from the 1930's original belt. 3-dimensional pictures spots and the face cut jewel which are the feature of this era are a genuine Czech glass.(face cut jewel of No.300 is acrylic) Jewel ring adopts the genuine old stock and the reproduction of classic style like a vintage.

No.310 

Miller Stockman “No.1058” 1939 Model, Made in the West by expert

A reproduction of the 1930's model by Miller stockman. We reproduced the late 1930's emboss design in faithfully from the original belt. The face cut jewel which are the feature of this era are a genuine old stock glass. Jewel ring adopts the reproduction of classic style like a vintage.

No.301 

Unknown 1930’s Model, Made in the West by expert

A reproduction of the 1930's model. We reproduced the late 1930's emboss design in faithfully from the original belt. 3-dimensional pictures spots which are the feature of this era are a genuine Czech glass. Jewel ring adopts the reproduction of classic style like a vintage.

No.320 

SEARS “Indian Design” 1936 Model, Made in the West by expert

A reproduction of the 1930's model by SEARS. The derivation model of "BULLET series" born in 1935. We reproduced the main emboss design in faithfully from the 1930's original belt. The face cut jewel which are the feature of this era are a genuine old stock glass. Jewel ring adopts the reproduction of classic style like a vintage.

No.220 “1936 Model” 

Western Ranchman / Miller stockman 1936 Model, Made in the West by expert

A reproduction of the 1930's model by Western Ranchman. We reproduced the early 1930's emboss design in faithfully from the original belt. The face cut jewel which are the feature of this era are a genuine old stock glass. Jewel ring adopts the reproduction of classic style like a vintage.