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Belts

The origin of the belt dates back to prehistoric times when they were fashioned from softened tree bark, though the earliest true belts stem from the Bronze Age. After the advent of chemical preservation ushered in the leather belt, they were commonly used to hold tools for daily work.

The belt's influence on Western fashion can be traced to the Roman Empire, when gladiators employed belts not only to hold weapons, but as a decorative flourish. Roman rulers donned gold strips of fabric to keep their togas and red shoulder sashes in place.

Belts were worn almost exclusively by men until the turn of the twentieth century, when women adopted them as accessories of choice. Since then, belts have remained a constant for style and function.

For women, there are simple leather straps such as those produced by Valentino, which are ideal for cinching around sweaters, tops or hip-hugging jeans. Bejeweled numbers like Lanvin's rhinestone-encrusted tassel belt add a dash of sparkle to outfits. Many men appreciate sturdy pieces such as Italian-made vintage belts by Diesel in handsomely weathered leather or Western-inspired cowboy-worthy lengths with large buckles. No matter one's personal preference, auctions abound with belts old and new.


Quick Facts

  • Actor Larry Hagman's ornate monogrammed leather and studded belt with a sterling silver buckle sold at Bonhams in 2014 for $1,500
  • In 2006, a belt worn by Elvis Presley at a performance in Hawaii sold at Julien's Auctions in Los Angeles for $66,000, more than six times the estimate
  • A gun belt used by Old West outlaw Jesse James when he was gunned down in 1882 sold at a June 2013 Heritage auction for $16,730

Recommended Items at Auction

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CHANEL medallion chain belt, with Chanel box (faded polish and missing a clasp)
Feb 21, 3:00 PM AEDT
CHANEL medallion chain belt, with Chanel box (faded polish and missing a clasp)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD400- AUD600
AUD1306 Bids
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO ladies belt
Feb 21, 3:00 PM AEDT
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO ladies belt
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD705 Bids
Vintage genuine leather belts made in the USA
Feb 21, 3:00 PM AEDT
Vintage genuine leather belts made in the USA
by Lawsons
Est: AUD40- AUD60
AUD202 Bids
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THREE DESIGNER STYLE BELTS AS WELL AS TWO PAIRS OF GLASSES WITH CASES, INC. ED HARDY AND RAYBANS
Feb 20, 9:00 AM AEST
THREE DESIGNER STYLE BELTS AS WELL AS TWO PAIRS OF GLASSES WITH CASES, INC. ED HARDY AND RAYBANS
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD252 Bids
A late 19th / 20th century Armenian silver and niello belt, Van circa 1900 by Վ Պ (VP)
Feb 26, 11:00 AM GMT
A late 19th / 20th century Armenian silver and niello belt, Van circa 1900 by Վ Պ (VP)
by Chiswick Auctions
Est: £500- £800
£5001 Bid
LOUIS VUITTON MONOGRAM LEATHER BELT
Feb 21, 11:00 AM EST
LOUIS VUITTON MONOGRAM LEATHER BELT
by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Est: $200- $300
$501 Bid
A TURKISH CEREMONAL SILVER FILIGREE AND GILT BELT, 19TH CEN.
Feb 16, 12:00 PM EST
A TURKISH CEREMONAL SILVER FILIGREE AND GILT BELT, 19TH CEN.
by Helios Auctions
Est: $500- $700
$3001 Bid
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Ray Pohja - Southwest-Style Sterling Silver and Hand-Tooled Leather Belt, fits waist size 30.75" - 33.75"
Feb 21, 12:00 PM MST
Ray Pohja - Southwest-Style Sterling Silver and Hand-Tooled Leather Belt, fits waist size 30.75" - 33.75"
by Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery & Auction
Est: $150- $300
$501 Bid
RUSSIAN ENAMELED SILVER BELT
Feb 25, 6:00 PM PST
RUSSIAN ENAMELED SILVER BELT
by O'Gallerie
Est: $500- $700
$2501 Bid
ANNE FONTAINE Italian made genuine leather belt with two leather flower motifs
Feb 21, 3:00 PM AEDT
ANNE FONTAINE Italian made genuine leather belt with two leather flower motifs
by Lawsons
Est: AUD40- AUD60
AUD151 Bid
Gucci Green & Red Stripe Brown Leather Belt
Mar 13, 11:00 AM EDT
Gucci Green & Red Stripe Brown Leather Belt
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $200- $400
$501 Bid
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MONT BLANC BELT IN BOX WITH CARRY BAG, APPEARS AS NEW
Feb 20, 9:00 AM AEST
MONT BLANC BELT IN BOX WITH CARRY BAG, APPEARS AS NEW
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD101 Bid
Edward Farmer Sterling Silver & Celadon Jade Belt Hook
Feb 23, 10:00 AM PST
Edward Farmer Sterling Silver & Celadon Jade Belt Hook
by Taylor & Harris
Est: $1,200- $1,500
$9000 Bids
Gianni Versace "Versus" Leather and Cotton Belt
Mar 13, 11:00 AM EDT
Gianni Versace "Versus" Leather and Cotton Belt
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $100- $200
$250 Bids
3 MODEGÜRTEL.
Feb 26, 1:00 PM CET
3 MODEGÜRTEL.
by Auktionshaus Wendl
Est: €0- €0
€900 Bids
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Black Studded Tony Hawk Belt
Feb 21, 5:30 PM CST
Black Studded Tony Hawk Belt
by Hampton's Auction, Collectibles, & Retail, LLC
Est: $5- $15
$30 Bids
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USSR Soviet Union Leather Belt With Brass Buckle
Feb 22, 9:00 AM CST
USSR Soviet Union Leather Belt With Brass Buckle
by Matthew Bullock Auctioneers
Est: $30- $300
$150 Bids
2 W. Kleinberg Crocodile Belts
Feb 27, 10:00 AM EST
2 W. Kleinberg Crocodile Belts
by Everard Auctions and Appraisals
Est: $150- $250
$900 Bids
French Silver Cape Clasp & Victorian Silver Belt
Mar 01, 10:00 AM EST
French Silver Cape Clasp & Victorian Silver Belt
by Devin Moisan Auctioneers, Inc.
Est: $200- $400
$1000 Bids
Ralph Lauren Patent Leather and Gold Tone Belt, M
Feb 27, 10:00 AM EST
Ralph Lauren Patent Leather and Gold Tone Belt, M
by Everard Auctions and Appraisals
Est: $100- $200
$600 Bids
4 Snakeskin and Other Men's Belts and a Buckle
Feb 27, 10:00 AM EST
4 Snakeskin and Other Men's Belts and a Buckle
by Everard Auctions and Appraisals
Est: $250- $400
$1250 Bids
Chanel Fall 2007 Black Patent Leather Belt
Feb 27, 10:00 AM EST
Chanel Fall 2007 Black Patent Leather Belt
by Everard Auctions and Appraisals
Est: $200- $300
$1250 Bids
House of Fleming Alligator Belt & Ralph Lauren Belt
Feb 27, 10:00 AM EST
House of Fleming Alligator Belt & Ralph Lauren Belt
by Everard Auctions and Appraisals
Est: $150- $250
$900 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Belts


Everard Auctions and Appraisals

Everard Auctions and Appraisals

Lawsons

Lawsons

Matthew Bullock Auctioneers

Matthew Bullock Auctioneers

Chiswick Auctions

Chiswick Auctions