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.