You’re correct on both points, August. That’s an absolutely beautiful, top tier, First Phase style concho belt. Stamp work and repoussé doesn’t get much better than that. It appears to have the original leather belt and backings, as well. And an interesting use of two different types of bezels. Wondering if the conchos are much older and the buckle was replaced later on. Thank you for sharing!
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Echoing @TAH, you hit the nail on the head, @August. This is precisely the kind of thing that gets us going. It’s a stunning belt with an incredibly beautiful buckle. As Tom points out, the repoussé elements and their stamped borders really set this one off. The stamp work is lovely and the size, shape, and placement of the turquoise is very tasteful.
I found this very interesting, as well.
I’m wondering similar thoughts, Tom. It looks like the buckle and conchos were crafted by different hands. The conchos remind me of the Martha Pillard belt…
Regardless, it’s a marvelous example of the form. I love everything about it, and am enamored with the buckle.
Thank you for sharing!!
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Dang, you’ve got an eagle eye. As much as I try to inspect jewelry items, I didn’t notice that this buckle’s turquoise is set using 2 different bezel styles. Good catch!
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I never tire of looking at that Pillard belt, Aaron. 
August’s conchos are nearly a dead ringer to these in Richards’ book.
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No doubt! Comparing some belts, it can be easy to spot similarities in either size, shape, or perhaps a particular element of stamp work, but the conchos in Richards’ book are unbelievably similar to @August’s. Thanks for posting this, Tom!
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These didn‘t come into common use in the “Indian Jewelry” world until the 70s when more modern versions began showing up in supply houses. Never seen anything close to this old used in Harvey era Native Jewelry IRL
Back when a lot of these old belts were made, electricity was still quite uncommon in Navajo Hogans and Pueblo dwellings. The chances something like this was used by a native silversmith when the belt was made are slim, and none.
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You’re the eagle eye that pointed it out and provided the reference material, Tom. 
I simply meant to express my agreement and that while some belts or components may present with one or two similarities, in this particular instance, everything jives on the conchos, which I find fascinating.
Again, great detective work! 
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That’s a fine concho belt you once owned. Do you recall if it was hallmarked anywhere on the buckle or on a concho(s)? If yes, were you able to identify the maker? Thanks.
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Thanks everyone.
Admittedly, as I sell things their details are lost on me but I can say for certain there was no hallmarks of any kind .
I can also attest to believing that the belt, and the leather roundels and conchos were all in original as found condition.
The buckle looked like it was always part of the belt, so if the conchos are Phase 1 and the belt and buckle are Pages 2 , then I’m going with the set as a classic Phase one and a half. 
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Interesting. Come to think of it the use of electricity in old photos etc is obviously missing. I sure do appreciate your history.
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@August my goodness, what a belt to have owned.
@Cicadalady welcome to the forum, and that’s a beautiful belt!
@Ravenscry that new buckle is a stunner! And you are so inspiring with your belt stacking. I wish I could manage that, but I feel weird with the gap between waist and hip belts.
To you and @TAH, I very carefully put my new buckle on my 1.5” belt. The gap in the oval is closer to 1.25”. Would you suggest a 1.25” belt, or a tapered ranger style for this buckle? I can’t decide (and will probably jump at whichever I find first).
EDIT: sadly, this buckle does not fit this 1.5” belt. I made it work for a photo.
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Thank you for your kind words Blythe.
Your new buckle looks awesome!! I like your tooled belt. 
Everyone will certainly have their own opinions, but I would prefer an 1 1/4" belt. Tapered rangers, in my opinion, can be tough to keep centered on the waist (I’ve no choice in that regard when stacking belts 
) and I’ve yet to find one I’m enamored with, but that’s just me. I prefer rangers with billets, similar to the lovely creations that @TAH has crafted an shared.
Whatever you decide, it will be beautiful.
Thanks for sharing your lovely buckle in place where it belongs!!
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This is soooo beautiful. Love both the buckle and the belt. Congrats.
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Great looking buckle @BlytheEcho! Looks awesome on your tooled leather belt!
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Blythe,
This buckle and belt combination looks terrific together! The tooled leaves on the belt nicely complements the “leaf shape” stamp work at 12 and 6 o’clock on the buckle. If it isn’t too much trouble to fasten and unfasten, I’d say you found the belt for this buckle, as it would be difficult to find a better match.
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@TAH sadly, it doesn’t fit. I basically had to fold the belt in half to install the buckle and then fasten the belt. Getting it unfastened took too much time and effort 
Thank you all for the compliments for the belt and buckle. I’m on the hunt for something that will complement and be functional.
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It does really look good on that belt, but I think it would look awesome on an all black belt to show it off, and not overwhelm the design.
I’m sure you know places to look, but I’ve always had a lot of good luck at Western tack stores. Although of all places I found some of my favorite belts at a Lucky Brand store ; they sometimes have belts that you can change buckles on mixed in with the regular.
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