A belt and memories. Good things last.

I'm not going to lie, but this is a tough post to both conduct and write.

I don't know how to start or where to begin, or even a clear understanding of what I want to say.

Some of you may know the timeline of Wilde's Leatherwork.

For those that don't here's a short summary.

In 2017, I started my leather journey making gifts for friend and family.

One item in particular was a drinks coaster for my Grandad, featuring a hand embossed beer stein, a horse, the outline of Hungary and a short birthday message.

Hand tooled leather drinks coaster. Made in 2018. Pictured here in 2024.

In 2018, I made myself a country and western style guitar strap, with hand tooled letters 'WILDE' across the strap, hand cut, dyed, stitched and burnished.

'WILDE' guitar strap. Made in 2018. Pictured here in 2019 by David Caffrey.

My Grandad was amazed with the quality and couldn't believe I had made it entirely by hand. He was very hands-on, always building or fixing something, so he knew good quality work when he saw it. His reaction to my guitar strap helped boost the pride I have in my crafts, and still brings a smile to my face to this day.

In 2024 my Grandad past away.

When asked if I would like any of his possessions, one immediately came to mind, his leather belt.

My Grandads Winchester belt and buckle.

I have tried looking through old photographs to see how far back he uses this belt/buckle combo. The belt itself is a Winchester embossed belt, on some photos you can see some of the diamond embossing, making it easier to identify. The buckle is riveted onto the belt, so I assume they came as a pair.

I'm fairly sure it may go back to at least the late 80s, before I was born. Looking through old photographs, and from memory, i'm guessing it had been worn near every (other) day for over 35 years. 35 years!

I am extremely grateful for being passed down his belt, and grateful again for understanding and appreciating the value of it, or atleast the one i've put to it. It helps reinforce and remind me of the values of my leather journey and also life in general. Good things last. Better things are passed down.

My Nana, me and my Grandad in 1996 or 1997? I'm not good at guessing babies ages.

My Grandad, me and my Nana celebrating... my... communion? confirmation? I really don't know, but there was cake!!

My Grandad, me and my Nana after an open mic night performance on my 23rd birthday. Me and Grandad showing off our belt buckles. His, a Winchester Repeating Arms, mine, an American eagle.

The first belt I made for myself, and a buckle I purchased in 2020.

My Grandads belt and mine. A coincidence of style I only noticed after his passing.

My Grandad and me, celebrating my 22nd birthday.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

All the best,

Geoff Wilde

Wilde's Leatherwork