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. 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. GIANT-GRIP was one of the brand names used by Samuel Buchsbaum & Co. of Chicago. Buchsbaum was a wildly inventive designer. 

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.

GIANT-GRIP was one of the brand names used by Samuel Buchsbaum & Co. of Chicago. Buchsbaum was a wildly inventive designer. 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

VINTAGE MARKET # SONNTAG, 31. JANUAR 2016

Ladies and Gentlemen will be welcome!!!

Proud to sell ACE WESTERN BELTS in Switzerland!!!

See beaugoodies at the 2nd Life Market at Denim & Iron, Zürich Switzerland, on the 31.01.2016.

Special thanks to beaugoodies

https://www.instagram.com/beaugoodies/

Next Planning...

The early 1930's style embossed belt, wildwood flower and serpentine design.

Original belt appeared in the early 1930’s and played an active part as a main part of various western belts. Miller Stockman, Montgomery Ward, Sears, and more...

ACE WESTERN BELTS 1930’s Reproduction Buckle

The sample after correction was arrived!! The convex on the back side like vintage. This is a by-product of pressing process!!

That's scheduled to be completed from the second half of next month. The accomplishment of the task took several years.

Next planning...

ACE WESTERN BELTS 1930’s Reproduction Buckle
Reproduction Specification：This buckle is very nice reproduction of Americana of the Western golden age, made of press molded steel like vintage. Nickel plated finish. Beautifully designed and engraved as shown, and looks like it is handmade. Stamped of ACE WESTERN BELTS in the back side. Fits for 1 1/2 inches wide belt. Repeat, This buckle is made of steel. Is not a casting buckle. Original buckle appeared in the late 1930’s and played an active part as a face of various western novelty belts.

OUR DISTINCTIVE WESTERN BELTS

Howdy,
This is ACE WESTERN BELTS.
We have obtained much order from every country in the world.
Thank you so much.

We are distinctive western belt manufacturer. We produce spots decoration belt specialized in "Americana of the Western golden age" in Japan. The product concept is "made in the heart of the west". We are very particular about the parts and machine used for a belt, and developed relationships with the company to obtain the best distinctive western belt. Since that time these company have closed and we have had to develop new relationships and this takes time and patience. We are always on the lookout for new techniques and ideas that meet and exceed our customer expectations. We strive for the same quality and workmanship being used to make the tooled spotted and jeweled belts made since the 1930's.

Our products is very nice new vintage reproduction designed in Americana of the Western golden age. Spotted and jeweled belt on top grain western bridle, embossed leather. The bridle leather of this product is a U.S. Western bridle like a vintage. The buckle is nickel, made of iron, like vintage.

BOYS! MEN! What a collection of real he-man novelty belts! you’ll be proud to wear these belts they’re so expertly made and finished. Excellent craftsmanship. In quality, they’ll match the best. In novelty, you’ll find that superb workmanship will make their unusual design even more rich and luxurious.

Original reference
America in the 1930s. I am convinced that it is largest Miller-Stockman in those days to have advertised spots decoration belt on a large scale first. Because it was written down with "a design only for Stockman-Farmer that was the newest in a market" according to Miller-Stockman catalog of 1932, the Miller-Stockman seemed to sell spots decoration belt monopolistically. Moreover, these belts are ornament belts to the last, and declare that the sturdy studded belt of H.H.HEISER and other saddlery is a position of the opposite poles.

We are really happy to be able to know you.
Respectfully,

ACE WESTERN BELTS
acewesternbelts@aurora.ocn.ne.jp
http://acewesternbelts.cart.fc2.com
http://acewesternbelts.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/ACEWESTERNBELTS

I want to leave the Americana of the Western golden age to the next generation

 
We can rebuild your important vintage studded jeweled belt using the belt strap of our company, and a precious new old stock replacement parts. Of course, keep as much as possible the precious vintage buckle and jewels, and build in your size. Please speak your troubles.

We strive for the same quality and workmanship being used to make the tooled studded jeweled belts made since the 1930's. We also transmit a wonderful tradition and creation of the western golden age correctly to next generation. Thank you.

VINTAGE STYLE STUDDED AND JEWELED BELT

New arrival! ACE WESTERN BELTS Style No.693

Reproduction of 1938 Miller Stockman’s No.1032

Over 45 shiny nickel spots and jewels. Spotted and Jeweled belt on top grain, embossed leather, 1-3/4 inches wide. 9oz thickness. This buckle is very nice reproduction of Americana of the Western golden age, made of press molded steel like vintage. Nickel plated finish. Beautifully designed and engraved as shown, and looks like it is handmade. Stamped of ACE in the back side. Fits for 1 3/4 inches wide belt. Repeat, This buckle is made of steel. Is not a casting buckle.

Dear Customer,

How have you been?

I am sorry that I won't send you New Year greetings this year. This is a Japanese tradition that happy greetings shall not be sent out when someone in the family has passed away during this past year. My father passed away this past May.

Please take care of yourself.

Sincerely,

ACE WESTERN BELTS

Next planning...

【Reproduction Specification】
This buckle is very nice reproduction of Americana of the Western golden age, made of press molded steel like vintage. Nickel plated finish. Beautifully designed and engraved as shown, and looks like it is handmade. Stamped of ACE in the back side. Fits for 1 3/4 inches wide belt. Repeat, This buckle is made of steel. Is not a casting buckle.

【Original Reference】
The original buckle appeared in the 1940’s and played an active part as a face of various novelty belts. They are installed in products of eastern, and has four different stamped designs, traditional southwest, art deco, and the arabesque of two kind. This traditional southwest design buckle is early type and the late type exist, and the specification differ for era. The Indian's head with feather decoration is the early type specification. Furthermore, the type (Replica of this era?) which does not belong to early type and a late type exists. However, It is another thing in which the specifications of stamped design differ.

Attractions X Ace Western Belts...Lot.209 HAIR ON HIDE STUDDED BELT

The basic form of the general vintage studded jeweled belt was announced in early the 1930s. The brand-new belt was called "DRESS BELTS". These were expressed ”Doubled and Stitched” and were a two-ply material belt with leathers of about 4.5oz.

These are the new products " Lot.209" of Attractions CO.. These are the product that the characteristic of the old good times is reproduced. Hair on Hyde, Doubled and Stitched, Indian Design Buckle (Iron). Limited edition.

http://afrbtl2006.blog80.fc2.com/blog-entry-1921.html