I use this style of screw rivets for leather
I use Chicago crews for belts but they are not ideal for halters. You want it to hammer down very flat on the inside where it would rub against their face, be extremely secure/not unscrew, fit through the narrow hole in the name plate, and have a refined look. I appreciate the suggestion though!
Thanks OO! It was a fun project and the finished belt wears well. ![]()
You might give Chicago screws another chance. They also come in a mini size and different lengths that might be perfect for the smaller holes in the name plate (or you can simply adjust the hole size slightly with a drill). Here’s where I buy my regular and mini screws: Brass Chicago Binding Screws | Made in the USA – Tagged “Mini”
Using a little Loctite (Red) will secure them permanently. If you think the slot is too rough for Milo’s face, the screws are made of brass (then plated in different finishes) and you can easily use a hand file or Dremel to make them smooth.
That’s some impressive work @TAH . It’s always nice these days to see the accomplishments of someone working with their hands.
Thanks Steve! I get inspired when I have good silver to work with. ![]()
And I’ve had these around for years wondering what to do with them. Gives me some ideas. The one on the left is by Jason Livingston.
Those are nice looking conchos. The double strips and wide strips on the backs would be more challenging to modify in the same way that I modified mine for use on a wider belt.
Laying next to the coin, they both appear to be fairly small. Are they hatbands? Something like these…
I wondered that same thing. I might send them to auction and purchase a larger women’s size belt. Lots of options.
Not a buckle or belt but worthy of being seen here I think. A concho cuff bracelet made by Fred Bahe aquired from Garlands. Made from 91 grams of 18 guage silver shank with a #8 ? turquoise stone if memory serves me.
After drooling over this buckle for a year, I finally decided to add it to the collection. Besides, it’s hard to go wrong with Thunderbirds. ![]()
It’s a little different than the rest of my buckles, because this one won’t be assigned to any trouser retention duties. ![]()
Navajo, 1 3/4” x 1 1/4”, 13.6 grams, ca.1920s-1940s
That’s actually a good idea to use smaller buckles as bracelets. You all are so inventive!
This is such an awesome buckle, Tom. It’s just pure, elegant beauty. Coupled with your leatherwork it makes for an outstanding bracelet. I love this!!! As always, top notch work and impeccable choice of old Navajo silver.
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Thank you, @Phoenix7! I had to get creative with this one. No way I was going to wear a 9/16” wide belt. ![]()
Thanks Aaron! The big difference between making belts and bracelets is, since bracelets are smaller and require much less edge burnishing, I noticed my swearing isn’t as colorful. ![]()
Just love the bracelet.
I used to have a couple of nice bracelets made of vintage Navajo conchos and buttons sewed onto old leather but foolishly parted with them. They were offered by Vicki Turbeville back in the day. Her NYC shop also was loaded with gorgeous vintage leather belts made from old horse tack and such.
Keep it going!
Thanks chic!
It’s not surprising Vicki offered this type of bracelet. Her good taste is evident on her website. I didn’t know she had a shop in NYC. Curious, has anyone visited her shop in California?
Ooh I love this sweet little buckle @TAH ! I’m also low key obsessed with thunderbird stamps like this and anything made with them. I can definitely see why you were so obsessed with it and could’t let it go, but also where you hesitated to see where it fit into your collection. I know you like a larger, weighty buckle and one that can be worn on a substantial belt. The solution you found is perfect!
Speaking of these thunderbird stamps that I’m obsessed with. I know you’re a Jesse Robbins fan. Did you see that he’s been showcasing some new stamps he made on his social media lately, including an awesome new thunderbird stamp?
That’s a nice looking buckle and the Thunderbirds are a real plus. Creating a bracelet with the buckle is so innovative to me. It looks terrific on you! ![]()
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you @OrbitOrange and @Patina!
Originally, I was planning to use it as a hatband buckle, but after it arrived, it was even nicer looking in person, so I changed course so I could enjoy it more often.
I had not seen Jesse’s thunderbird, so thanks for sharing it! I love his work and this thunderbird stamp is just another example of his vision and talent. Speaking of Jesse, I have been tempted many times with these two beauties…
@chicfarmer Funny you mentioned Vicki and her vintage bracelets. I actually made my bracelet to go with the buckle that Aaron @Ravenscry so graciously released to me from his herd, which he acquired from Vicki. I even shaped the tails to match.
I say buy both of those beauties! What are your creative plans for them?![]()















