A History of Vintage Belt Buckles

You say you are a belt buckle aficionado, but are you acquainted with the history behind these fascinating creations? These fashion statements in today's society started out with a much different purpose. They served a purpose from their basic utility. The vintage belt buckle story goes back to the 1600's and their roots are traced to the British maritime industry.

Prior to World War I, the era belonged to the British Empire. This was also before the advent of the railroad so the British fleet still dominated the seas. Just like the railroad (and so many other inventions throughout human history), the belt buckle was invented to serve the needs of both the military and the merchant class.

British sailors, faced with brutally tough weather out at sea, used eyelets and string to fasten their clothes, even though a goldsmith had recently invented the button. These eyelets were woefully inadequate once you were soaked. It was at this time that a seaman invented the very first belt buckle, and soon it became all rage. Sailors attached them to leather belts and they were found to be quite useful for holding up water-logged clothes, as well as easy to remove even with fingers chilled from the cold sea water and rain.

The Puritans who left Britain for the New World believed buttons to actually be sinful, and popularized the use of cheap belt buckles (some other groups still today, like some Amish, believe that buttons are inappropriate). Two centuries later, Americans value belt buckles for much more than their utility. Belt buckles serve as a creative fashion statement and a means of self-expression. It has been quite a journey for the belt buckle.

Please enjoy these Vintage Western Belt Buckles listed on Ebay. Be sure to book mark this site and stop back for updates.