Bronc Belts for Cowboys & Bikers

Last week when I told someone I based the Pecos Pete Jacket off of an old bronc belt they looked at me quizzically.

ah, you know, a bronc belt? ... a bucking belt? ...a kidney belt?

So it got me to wondering about their true name and their origin and I ended up doing a little digging around on Google. Here is what I found out about bronc belts:

• they came into vogue after cartridge belts became antediluvian,
• they were used by early cowboys to support the lower back,
• they were used by rodeo, rough stock riders from the early 19th century through the 1930's,
• they were adopted by the early motorcyclist in the 1920's,
• they were easily personalized by both cowboys and bikers with names, brands, various jewels and nail heads,
• and they are still used and worn today by both modern cowboys and bikers.

So whether you call them "bronc belts," "bucking belts," or "kidney belts," these vintage belts are truly amazing.  Take a look at some of my favorites: 

 

Bronc Belt from the Visalia Saddle Co Catalog

 

 

 

 

Kidney belts on early motorcyclist - Photograph courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives. Copyright H-D

 

Vintage Harley Davidson Kidney Belt with HD Wings

 

 

Wide Kidney Belt with Concho & Zipper Pockets

 

"Grief" - Wonder if this biker's mom gave him this name?

 

 

Page from Rin Tanaka's Motorcycle Jackets: Ultimate Biker's Fashions

 

  

 

 

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In case you missed it, here is the finished version of Double D Ranch's Pecos Pete Biker Jacket:

Double D Ranch's Pecos Pete Jacket