Original roots of the Robin buckle

[Chuck Williams]

Hi All,

I tracked down what I think are the original parts Jan Kemp used and had copied for the Robin buckle.

A vintage non-com Marine dress buckle!

It was cannibalized for parts and the only thing to add was the brass disc!
I feel certain this was what was used as a base in the screen test and in fact, at least one screen used belt.
Stewart had a screen used belt that was missing the disc side but the receiver side was this part from the dress buckle.
It looks like the belt he is wearing in the B&W image has the same side bar adjustable attachments.

The parts are actually steel that are brass plated and lacquered. It makes soldering a bit difficult but not impossible.

I popped the hook off the rectangular buckle and used it on the disc.
Every individual part matches the size of the production made copies made for the Hardeman belt at that unknown "metal shop".

It also explains the way the size adjustment was made on the belt. You'll notice that the dowels move in and out away from the buckle. You tighten it up or loosen it by adjusting the belt strap going into the buckle.
One side was usually sewn in place and the other side adjustable.

I love this stuff!!!

The first (I think) Bat buckle also has Marine DNA !
That's for another post...

[Ben Bentley]

Love it! Totally buy it. Like you said, if those sizings/dimensions match a production buckle perfectly, that totally stands to reason.

[AndyFish]

Bingo!

[Lou Szabo]

Reminds me of my Boy Scout belt buckle, except it has an interlocking function, as do many vintage military belt buckles. I bet it was a remnant from a war movie or left over from WWII, since it ended only 20 years earlier.

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[Chuck Williams]

This is what we used for the Johnny Duncan 49 suit...

[BiffPow]

That is very cool! I’ve seen great photos from members of the board showing their collections. Do you have a dedicated space displaying all of your creations, Chuck?

[Chuck Williams]

Nope, 90% of everything we make is for clients.

I'll get an image or two and it's off to it's new home.

The figures are currently in a spare bedroom/fitting room until I can figure out what to do with them.

[Ben Bentley]

The figures are currently in a spare bedroom/fitting room until I can figure out what to do with them.

I see what you did there... You're a man-a-kin to my own heart