Earlier this year I put on my Jeans belt and the hole for the buckle finally gave way. Doesn't surprise me too much, for leather belts aren't supposed to last for 50 years. I remember that I purchased this belt when I was in high school. Originally it came with a Coors belt buckle, but that broke before I graduated.
The buckle came from Summerfest in 1975. I was volunteering as part of a flag corp so we got free admission. I needed a belt buckle and there were many vendors supplying various items of clothing. I have no idea why I picked this buckle. It reads Livingston,Wells & Co., Domestic and Foreign Gold Dealers and has the image of a schooner in the middle. Apparently, this company was a predecessor to Wells Fargo bank.
I find it interesting looking at the hole pattern in the belt. Apparently, I've grown a few inches around since high school. Some of the ones closest to the end are even stretched out a bit. Apparently, I've enjoyed a few beers while wearing this belt.
I also find it interesting that if you do a search on the Internet, there are dozens of Livingston, Wells and Co belt buckles for sale as "vintage". I guess that makes me vintage as well. My buckle shows more wear, though. It's had a good life so far. Now all I need to do is look for a new leather belt.
