By Edward H. Bohlin
Located in Incline Village, NV
Rare find and highly sought after vintage western wear cowboy, three piece "Ranger Buckle" and leather belt set; made by the iconic and most famous 20th century luxury belt maker, Edward H. Bohlin (marked) of Hollywood, California during the heyday and "Golden Age of Western Wear" mid century production period, and "made for the stars" during the 1940's; when such articles were made for cowboy screen actors like Tom Mix, John Wayne, and Roy Rodgers et al. The "Bohlin" logo (see images) used on all three pieces is the shield image utilized by the company from 1930 --1950's, so this is one of the earlier and more desirable Bohlin western wear collectibles.
The company was founded in California in 1920 by Edward H. Bolin who sought to capitalize on the "cowboy" interest and fashion phenomenon taking over the west, by making fine quality western wear luxury goods for the wealthy. He quickly became recognized for his fine silversmithing (referred to as the "silversmith to the stars") and a known expert in applying gold filigree overlays, as is evident on the 14k gold rope edges designed on this belt.
This high end belt is replete with fine quality .925 sterling silver and 14k gold accents to the etched and perimeter twisted rope edge design of the buckle which is hand engraved scroll work pattern in a floral motif "Western Rose" pattern . The set is complete with the original buckle, the keeper, and tail piece which are similarly and elaborately decorated; in addition to a hand made 1 1/4" wide tool and dyed black leather belt in a classic basket weave pattern pattern; which tapers down to a 1" billet to accommodate the tail and entry through the keeper hardware assembly. The three piece set was catalogued as Model 1173E "Parade Series and was Bohlin's finest quality.
The condition is excellent and all original; the silver is intact and fine looking, the sparkling 14k gold highlights and the belt show very little wear; in fact, there is no apparent single "wear line" where one owner might have worn the belt for an extended period of time. If you are looking for the best, you need look no further.
The belt comfortably fits a size 34" through 38" waist line. It measures 46 1/2" long; the first prong hole where the tongue passes through is 39" from the end of the buckle and there are five holes after that each spaced 1" apart.
The rest of the measurements are:
buckle= 2" deep x 1 3/4" high
keeper= 3/4" wide x 7/8" high
tail (billet)= 1/1/4" long
Provenance: From my own personal collection of Western cowboy...
Category
1940s American Other Vintage Leather Furniture
MaterialsGold, Sterling Silver
