Great selection and custom job on tapering your belt!
Typically, I cut the thread (way ahead of the taper point), work the thread out and back to where the taper will begin, tie the threads off on the backside of the belt, then proceed with the tapering.
Since the thread on your belt is cut short, I would carefully use a lighter (fire) to melt and flatten the ends of the nylon thread (preferably on the backside of the belt), so the thread doesn’t begin to loosen or pull out of the stitch holes.
I’m visiting an aunt in northern NM and she has quite the collection of NA jewelry. She has several concho belts, but thought I’d share this one. She’s very fond of it and curious about it as she found an identical one online somewhere that was listed for several times what she paid for this one.
I believe the hallmark is Daniel Martinez from some searching about. For those that have more knowledge about making various pieces, the horse isn’t part of the buckle stamping, is it? At first I thought it was, but then realized it might not be. I would appreciate any input.
The belt has the buckle and 9 leather-backed conchos.
Found this b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. Concha belt for sale at a price waaayyy out of my range on my facebook marketplace! Made me drool, so I know it will be appreciated here.
the gallery in London had replied to me on the same day I enquired about the asking price but my innernet provider decided to deliver it to the junk folder.
JULIUS MÜLLER-SALEM
Rare Jugendstil Snake Buckle
Ref: 3973
£6500
6,500 Pound sterling equals
8,799.78 United States Dollar
The Jugendstil movement was Europe’s version of America’s Art Nouveau period. The buckle was created in Germany 1902
So I need your guys help, and this time I have EXTENSIVELY researched what I could find online. Not having access to any of your amazing books I was hoping maybe someone could shed some light. I managed to locate my husbands other belt buckle with the amazing swivel piece allowing it to show plain silver or the beautiful stones and claw. The problem Im running into is that with the first buckle I am sure of the makers mark as Daniel Etsitty, the second which SEEMS to be by the same maker as I’ve never seen any other jewelry with this type of mechanism to it and the style just fit. The hallmark on it though is just a E or from the best I can tell maybe a W I will include photos with my post any help would be greatly appreciated as I cannot find anything about the Hallmark on my husbands second belt buckle thank you.
@here4turquoise No actually I just pulled it out of the family vault, but I’m sure he will start wearing it soon. If we don’t decide to sell it since we do already have another one that he does wear quite frequently and prefers over the many others since it used to be his fathers personal buckle until he passed. I do agree with you, though it is such a unique element to the buckles that I’ve never seen even on non-native American jewelry that I quite admire.
Question for those who have put their conchos on new leather:
Situation - the leather on my concho belt, while sound, is “mushy”. That is, it’s so flexible that it’s hard to keep the conchos in a straight line. The current leather is 3/4" wide which fits the copper loops. I’d like the belt to have a bit more structure and support.
Looking for recommendations for this issue. Photos attached to refresh your memories.
Do you prefer the 3/4" wide leather or are you open to the idea of a wider belt? One way to attain what you’re after is to craft a wider leather belt that’s, say, as “tall” as the butterfly spacers, and has openings for the copper loops to pass through. The 3/4" wide leather is then laced through to secure the conchos and spacers in place while providing much more structure than the narrower strap. Similar to this.
The weight of the leather is something that needs paying attention to, as if it’s too thick, it can be a pain to lace the narrower strap through the wider, main strap. On the belt above, the holes that are cut into the wider leather aren’t much bigger than the copper loops, but when I did this for a belt that I purchased with no leather, I cut the holes 1/4" wider than the loops. Which allows for easier assembly due to the combined thicknesses of leather adding up quick. As everything is assembled, the slack of the narrower leather is pulled taught, and by the time you’ve got it all together, movement of the conchos and spacers is all but impossible.
If you prefer the look of the 3/4" wide leather, you could make leather backers for the buckle, conchos, and spacers. Similar to this belt.
While not providing structure overall, as everything is still linked with the narrower leather, this provides thickness, heft, and secure placement of the components. The backers won’t allow for much movement of the conchos or spacers, due to the “stack up” of leather which binds them to the belt.
@TAH has flawlessly performed this on multiple examples, and has a deep working knowledge of it’s execution. I’m sure he will chime in and provide some clarity to my incessant ramblings that have no doubt left you wondering how to make sense of them.
It’s my wish that this has come across a little clearer than mud, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if I’ve utterly lost you.
@Ravenscry nailed it with a clear explanation of two options commonly used to prevent slippage. Both options will take significant time and patience to create, especially since the conchos have two copper loops to deal with. But the end result (with either) will add beauty to the entire package.
The third and easiest option is to just replace the 3/4" leather strap. A narrow strap with no leather backings, like your current set up, is commonly seen, as well. Looking at your photos, your existing leather appears to be too thin and too pliable. Replacing it with thicker, stiffer, leather will give the belt the structure and support you’re seeking. The double copper loops will aid in keeping the conchos in place.
Something like this would work well, but you might want to message the seller and confirm the leather is thick and stiff.
@TAH - Terrific! Since the root cause of the issue is the floppy leather, at that price I think it’s well worth trying the simple solution first. So nice to have the expertise of the forum members .
