Here is a trivia question maybe some of you could answer for me. How many pictures did the Duke make wearing his Red River D belt buckle? I know of one The Sons of Katie Elder. Also does anyone know where I can get that belt buckle?

With out looking it up .....5 or 6
Mc Clintock, N to Alaska, Sons of K.E, Lobo , Bravo
Ahhh I had to look.. :huh:
Hatari , Eldorodo, Circus World ,War Wagon
Makes 9
Rick

Hello Dunson. If you are still looking for the Red River D belt buckle, you can find them at http://www.Ermal.com and click on his Duke merchandising link. He sells them for $29 and change. Check them out. Mark

Hey Dukefan1,
Thanks! Went there and got one ordered. - Dunson

Dear Duke Fan,
Thank you for turning us on to Ermal's Web site. It's worriesome seeing someone that has it as bad as he does, and realizing your heading down the same path lickity split. Yes, I ordered a silver "Red River D" belt buckle ( got in at 29.95 before April 1st). Now, if I could only find out where he got that Hat......
Cheer's Chester

Hi Chester if your interested in the Dukes hats have a look at
tontorim.com/hats.htm
they have several of his styles but are a bit pricey.
Hope this helps
Chance :D

Well, my belt buckle came in the mail today. I ordered the silver one, but got the brass one. It turns out that's the one the Duke wore much of the time, so I decided to keep it after all. It's certainly bright and shiny and now I have to find a belt to go with it.

Chance, thanks for the tip on hats! I'm still lookin' . . .

Chester

Just something to share. I was walking down the street in town with my 8 year old son one day when we passed a printing store with a cutout standup of John Wayne in the front window. A great sense of pride came on me when my little tyke yelled out , " Hey! Thats John Wayne in the Red River movie!!!! " I gotta be doin' something right. Cricket :D :D

Hey there Chester
who was it that told you that Dukes' buckle was brass? :lol:

Rick,

It was Ermal himself who told me that, but I also have a life size cardboard cut-out of JW in my living room, and he has the Red River belt buckle on, and it sure looks like brass (or gold, but that's a little more pricey), although it is a little narrower from top to bottom (about 20%) than Ermal's reproduction. Hey, I'm still in seventh heaven wearing my belt buckle!! I'm waiting for someone to say, "Hey, that's John Wayne's belt buckle!" Granted, we are a pretty small group :) .

Chester

For two years I waited for people to notice mine...
they don't.
Now the bracelet they notice....

Rick

Hi,
The Red River D belt buckle that John Wayne wore was made out of silver and the D and two lines and also the writing was made out of gold.
Thanks.

Chris

Chester!

I hear you looking for JW hats. My guess is some of the hats he wore were Stetsons. I had one long ago and they last forever. They are the top of the line, but pricey. They go back to the 40's that I know of. Maybe earlier. Here is a link for you that offers Stetson, Resistol, & Bailey cowboy hats. Maybe you can find what you are looking for. Good luck!

Sheplers Western Wear (http://www.sheplers.com/hatchooser.cfm)

Hey everybody,

I am not into this topic too much but wanted to add my two cents worth to you. I found out that the "Red River 'D'" belt buckle was received from Director Howard Hawks as a gift to Duke after the movie was shot. I hope that gives you some insight about the belt buckle.

I think that is simply amazing and the source is from the John Wayne Reference Book. I might be interested in a belt buckle some day.

Hondo B)

Originally posted by REASR@Apr 15 2003, 08:30 PM
For two years I waited for people to notice mine...
they don't.
* Now the bracelet they notice....

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Rick
Rick,

I was wearing my Red River D belt buckle while in Tombstone over the weekend, and while in one of the shops, a stranger noticed and said, "Hey, a Red River D belt buckle!" It kind of caught me off guard, and I replied, "Yes, it is." (Where I come from, California, plenty would notice the bracelet, but might get the wrong idea ;) )

As it turns out, he had one that looked just like the original, made out of silver with the gold lines (for the river) and D. His was made by a professional silversmith in Lincoln, CA. It cost over $400 (a wee bit more than I paid for my replica :rolleyes: ).

He also indicated there is another company in Colorado that makes a good replica (they are sending me a catalog, I'll pass on any info I can find).

Regarding hats, I visited the AZ Tex Hat Company in Phoenix, and had a very interesting and educational experience. They can custom make any hat you might want (for a price, of course). They indicate they are one of six companies that still make custom western hats. I hope to be ordering one soon.

Chester

Hi everyone sorry i haven't been online but I have a good description of the Red River D buckle if anyone's interested.
Let me know if anyone want's it.
:rolleyes:

Chance,

Good to see you back!

Hey, post that description right here. I, for one, would be real interested, and I'm sure I'm not alone.

If you know any of the history behind the buckle, that would be great, too.

Thanks!

Chester

Originally posted by chester7777@May 29 2003, 02:28 AM

He also indicated there is another company in Colorado that makes a good replica (they are sending me a catalog, I'll pass on any info I can find).

Chester
Chester,
Any word on the company in Colorado? I'm wondering if they have a more accurate repro (two-tone and the right height-to-width ratio)? Could you share the name and address of the company, please?

Chester

You didn't get that guys namedid you?
I ran across this on ebay
Duke BB (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3615032646&category=395)

This was the first I had heard of this


Rick

Rick and MMA10mm,

I was in touch with two companies, one in Colorado and one in California. I haven't heard back from either one (both said they'd send me catalogs). My notes are buried as to the company names, and I'm leaving to go out of town for the weekend, so will search them out next week sometime.

Ermal Williamson told me that Bohlen Saddles in Texas made the original four buckles for Howard Hawkes and they were passed out at that time. I haven't got time to do a web search for Bohlen, but will when I get back, unless you have found them first.

Rick, the police theft bulletin on ebay looks pretty interesting. Do you want to bid on it, or should I? And don't tell itdo, he's quite the collector . . . B) . I think that whoever gets it, should send copies to the rest of us :rolleyes: . I think it would be interesting reading.

Chester

Feel free to bid my friend.
( I will give ya $5 for a copy )

Ermal 's right about Bolin I have a picture of the buckle
( didn't want to rain on your parade )
No need to check their site , I've watched it for a year and 1/2 nothing has been added.


Rick

Hi fellas you may want to have a look at this.

http://shoprewards.com/redrvrd.html

Almost the same bit pricey what! :huh:

CHANCE,

Hey, I checked out that web site . . . just how many belt buckles does one get for $1,995?!?

:o

Chester

Hey! Thats a great lookin' belt buckle, but I'm a poor feller. Two grand is a bit pricey. I have found several like these on eBay around 15 bucks, depending on bids. Not as flashy, there is no gold on it. But it is affordable. I will post a pic ASAP for all of you. Hope it helps.


Take a look at the post; Red River D Belt Buckle (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3231846310&category=29464) They have two up for bid that I know of.

Also found this one, but the bid was up in 5 hours. I would of bid on it myself if I had the cash.

http://www.angelfire.com/zine/timetraveler/johnwayne/Wayne_lives.jpg

I know this question has been asked a thousand times and I should already know the answer but I don't, so I will ask it again. What does the belt buckle that the Duke wears in alot of movies mean or what does it stand for? His ranch or a company he owned? I see he wears it in alot of movies. Rio Bravo, EL Dorado, Hatari, and many others. I have a Franklin Mint Plate of the Duke and he has it on it. I thank you for your time in advance.

YMHS,
Tuscarora

Hi Tuscarora,
Duke wears the RED RIVER 'D' BELT BUCKLE,
denoting the Dunson brand, in the film RED RIVER
Howard Hawks gave him this, after completion of the film.
Duke wore this in other Hawk films afterwards.
It shows two wavy lines, representing the river,
a D on the top left hand side.
It also has Red in the top left hand corner, River in
the bottom right hand corner, a 1948 in the top
right hand corner, and a rope loop in the bottom left hand corner.
Many of our members, have replicas of this buckle,
mine is silicon bronze, and I obtained it from
The John Wayne Birthplace Society.
Hope this helps,

It helps completely and I thank you very much. I would like to have one myself and will try to purchase one as soon as possible.

Thanks again,
YMHS
Tuscarora

Hi Tuscarora
Going back awhile, we had another thread relating
to the belt buckle, and here is the link

http://www.dukewayne.com/index.php?showtop...%20buckles&st=0 (http://www.dukewayne.com/showthread.php?t=77&hl=belt%20%20buckles&st=0)
,
Here is a link to The John Wayne Birthplace Society

http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org/

[ATTACH]60]RRD (http://www.riverjunction.com/catalog/buttons/beltbuckles.html)
$25.00

That's a nice buckle, I wouldn't mind getting one either.

Hi

If you look closely in the bottom left hand corner you will see the initials HWH. Howard Hawks presented Wayne with the belt buckle and later the two men swopped. Hawks later lost his buckle but as you say Wayne always wore his.

Regards

Arthur

I have two of the Belt Buckles that were sent to my Wife and I back in the 1970s after we had sent the Frozen Chili to London for the Cast an Crew Party for the Film "Brannigan." :) My Wife's Buckle is now over at the 26 Bar Ranch and I still Wear Mine to Church on Sunday!!!

The Buckles look like the one that REASR has a picture of. The Buckles are Silver with Gold inlay. :D For a Short Story of what happened to Duke's Buckle you can go to

RED RIVER BUCKLE (http://www.wyntoontrip.com/DUKE8A.html)

Chilibill :cowboy:

Wow, plenty to comment on here!

I just called the John Wayne Birthplace gift shop in Winterset, Iowa, and learned that unfortunately they no longer carry the Red River D Belt buckle.

I checked out REASR's link, and that seems like a reasonably priced possibility.

Check out this auction on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Nice-Red-River-D-Belt-Buckle-John-Wayne_W0QQitemZ7739880989QQcategoryZ29464QQssPageN ameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) :o .

Chester :newyear:

Chester,

I just ordered a batch of the Buckles for the 26 Bar Ranch Gift Shop from the Site that REASR put up and they said they are on the way! :D

You had better hurry up and order, it looks like they are selling like Sour Dough Pan Cakes!!! :fear2:

Bill :cowboy:

Bill,

I just ordered 10 myself! Looks there's gonna be a run on that site :fear2: .

Those folks are going to wonder what's going on.

I called and spoke with them and mentioned that since they were also in Iowa, maybe they should contact the JW Birthplace and make them aware of this product. The belt buckle place thought the JW Birthplace could place a link to their web site on the Birthplace web site <_< .

The Birthplace web site has a pretty nice line of gifts available. You might want to contact them and let them know about the 26 Bar, and also get a line on their sources (obviously you're far enough away to not pose serious competition to them).

Chester :newyear:

Chester;

I already ordered a Batch of the John Wayne Gold Metals from J.W. Birthplace and now have 2 of them and waiting on the rest to get here. :D

Bill :cowboy:

Here's another source -

John Wayne Belt Buckle/Memorabilia page (http://www.westernandwildlifewonders.com/wwlw/index.php?action=category&id=25)

The belt buckle pictured on this site is like the one I have, which I purchased from Ermal Williamson three years ago. It doesn't have the Howard Hawks initials on the bottom left, and it is made of brass.

They have an interesting looking JW vest, and also holsters (with photographs, CHANCE :lol:).

Chester :newyear:

Found this had for some years got it from a friend who got it from a Big John Wayne fan.
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/1263/buckle3ja.jpg

Hi Chance,
Interesting picture, but notice the year on it,
it's the wrong one, it should be 1948!!

Best Wishes,

your right ethan never noticed before now thanks for pointing it out.

HI ethan had a look around the net all the replica buckles have the year 1946

The film "Red River" was completed in 1946, and was not released until 1948, because of legal problems with "Howard Hughes" who said that the Film was a Rip-Off of the story "The Outlaw" that he Released in 1943. :fear2:

The three Belt Buckles that Howard Hawks had made to give to John Wayne, Montgomery Clift and to keep one for Himself had their initials on their Buckle. :) Their initials were in the lower left hand corner. Duke and Howard Hawks later Traded Buckles. :(

The Buckle that Duke had when I flew Him to Wyntoon in the 1970s had "HWH" for Howard Wincherster Hawks in the Lower Left Hand Corner, and in the upper Right Hand Corner 1946 and looked like the one that Chance put up above and were Silver with Gold Inlay! :D

The Buckle that Duke wore in many of His Films was later Stolen and never seen again! So some where Out There is the Real Thing!!! :angry:

Chilibill :cowboy:

Hi

I got mine from the Big Trail a few years back, but I think I might invest in one of those above they look pretty neat.

Regards

Arthur

Thanks bill for the info. Got mine from ermal still in good nick.Heres Ermals
http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/2555/rdb2xu.jpg

Originally posted by CHANCE@Jan 29 2006, 01:51 PM
HI ethan had a look around the net all the replica buckles have the year 1946
26154


Hi CHANCE
You know that's really interesting.
So that means the one's going around with the 1948 on are incorrect.
So the ones The Birthplace had for sale, are incorrect, interesting heh!!!

Best Wishes,

heres a nice one ethan pretty penny too.
http://www.shoprewards.com/redrvrd.html

That is one of the Reasons that the "Birthplace" No Longer Sell Them!!! :fear2:

Bill :cowboy:

Chance,

That is just what the Buckle looked like but with "HWH" in the Corner and I am not sure what they cost back in the 1940s!!! :wub:

Bill :cowboy:

Originally posted by William T Brooks@Jan 29 2006, 06:32 AM
Chance,

That is just what the Buckle looked like but with "HWH" in the Corner and I am not sure what they cost back in the 1940s!!! :wub:

Bill :cowboy:

26162
Bill,

The decimal point was probably two points to the left. :huh:

Chester :newyear:

Here's some interesting information about this belt buckle, from

2003 (http://www.dukewayne.com/showthread.php?t=294)

Chester :newyear:

Originally posted by chester7777@Jan 28 2006, 12:33 PM
Bill,

I just ordered 10 myself!* Looks there's gonna be a run on that site :fear2: .

26104
So did you get your buckles yet? how do thye look?

clancy

Originally posted by CHANCE+Jan 29 2006, 06:07 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CHANCE @ Jan 29 2006, 06:07 AM)</div>
Thanks bill for the info. Got mine from ermal still in good nick. Here's Ermals
http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/2555/rdb2xu.jpg

26158[/b]
CHANCE, when did you get that from Ermal? It's certainly a lot cleaner and more professional than the one I got from him. Also, I must say that's a pretty handsome holster, belt and pistol. Might I inquire what brand pistol it is, and is it a replica or authentic?

<!--QuoteBegin-clancy@Feb 7 2006, 09:47 PM
So did you get your buckles yet?* how do thye look?

26762
Funny you should ask! They arrived today, and for the price, they are quite presentable.

Chester :newyear:

Hi Chester Loved to say the buckle and rig was mine but it isn't. The pictures of Ermals Personal Buckle and his gun and rig. I've just the ordinary nickel plated and the brass 1948 one which i got silver plated.
Sorry for the confusion .
Chance :blink: :( :wacko: :unsure:

Sorry Chester heres my rigs and buckle. In the process of bluing gun and get immitation ivory grips.Not patch on ermals.
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/4929/holster56gs.jpg
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/1130/holster76lf.jpg
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/8333/holstera5ci.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/259/holsterb3qk.jpg

Originally posted by CHANCE@Feb 8 2006, 01:07 AM
Sorry Chester heres my rigs and buckle. In the process of bluing gun and get immitation ivory grips.Not* patch on ermals.
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/4929/holster56gs.jpg
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/1130/holster76lf.jpg
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/8333/holstera5ci.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/259/holsterb3qk.jpg

26771
CHANCE,

No reason to be sorry!

I'm sorry I don't have anything as nice as you have! :D

The way prices are nowadays, you're looking at a couple of thousand dollars there. :o

Hopefully, I'll be able to afford that setup one of these days.

Chester :newyear:

Thanks Chester most of the rigs were swops for art work and a couple of ebay buys. What waist are you?
Chance

Originally posted by CHANCE@Feb 9 2006, 12:10 AM
Thanks* Chester most of the rigs were swops for art work and a couple of ebay buys.* What waist are you?
Chance

26826

The last couple of years its been creeping up to 44 :wacko: . Probably from all this time sitting in front of ths computer.

Chester :newyear:

Hi,

Came across these, has anyone seen or heard of them before??
They claim they were Duke's personal buckles!!!

[ATTACH]523]******[ATTACH]524]

Keith,

Did you notice this little "note" after the price?

This item is currenty out of stock. Please e-mail to find out when new inventory is expected.

How many of these belt buckles did JW have?? How much "new inventory" could be expected?

Then, when you get down to the bottom of the page, you have the opportunity to buy a COPY of JW's death certificate and a COPY of his last will and testament.

And while I'm "noticing" things, did you notice the guy's web address? www.kingego.com - King Ego - yeah, that seems right.

:(

Mrs. C :angel1:

P.S. Keith, I'm not ragging on you, I hope you didn't take my little "rant" personally :rolleyes: . It was an interesting link, although my anti-virus software wasn't pleased with it - it popped up with a message about something related to the site, about a security certificate or something. Just one more thing for me to complain about this morning . . . .

Hi Mrs.C.,

Yep, I saw that , that's why I mentioned, 'claim'.
I thought you may be interested, in this little nonsense,

Tell you what, I'll get rid of that link,
although it didn't seem to cause me a problem!

Keith,

Hey, no need to remove the link just because my anti-virus software got grumpy (along with me :D ). Others might be interested.

Sorry I got so . . . irritated . . . or was it irritating . . . :rolleyes: ??

Mrs. C :angel1:

Where's the link?? I like to test my anti-virus software every once in awhile!!!!!


More then likely it was a active X program causing the security violations Mrs. C and not a virus. That just means you have your antivrius program set high, which is a good thing for most people. Me I like to take chances, lets me reload the computer once in awhile!!!

Todd,

I think you might be right about some ActiveX stuff.

Anyway, if you go to www.kingego.com, I think you'll find the "questionable claim" belt buckle after you search "john wayne" on that site.

Let me know if you get that error message or something like it.

Mrs. C :angel1:

P.S. Interestingly enough, the past couple of days I've been going back and forth between two computers, and when I went to the above site on this computer, there was no alert . . . go figure! Yesterday must just have been "that" kind of day!

Originally posted by chester7777@Mar 8 2006, 04:39 AM
Keith,

Hey, no need to remove the link just because my anti-virus software got grumpy (along with me :D ).* Others might be interested.

Sorry I got so . . . irritated . . . or was it irritating . . .* :rolleyes: ??

Mrs. C :angel1:

28593


Hi,

I have posted the link again,
but please take note of the comments
made about this link,

Belt Buckles (http://www.kingego.com/shop/index.php?cat=10&shop=1&)

I do know that He had "Colt and Winchester" Belt Buckles but if they were His, WHO KNOWS? :fear2:

Chilibill :cowboy:

Speaking of Belt Buckles, here are a couple of Red River D buckles currently on EBay

A brass one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8265240124&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1) and a nickle silver one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7749369368&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1)

They will only be there a day or two more.

Chester :newyear:

Hello,

Recently I was given a belt buckle, that was given to a friend of mine as a gift from John Wayne. According to my friend (a trusted one), John Wayne had this Belt Buckle (as well as a few others) made during the filming of the movie Hatari. He then gave these out to friends and such, of which my friend received one of them. Now, I trust my friend and have no reason to doubt anything he told me, but he is up in years and can no longer speak or communicate. So I have no way of finding out more info regarding the specifics of this belt buckle. It is a solid brass cape horn buffalo. There is writing on the back that appears to read "JW L.sample Hollywood cal Sterling".

If anyone has heard of such buckles being given out by John Wayne or who might have info regarding this belt buckle, I would be very grateful for the info or even possible places where I might find such info. Thanks for any help you guys might offer.

Hi Pistoleropoet,

First of all let me welcome you to the best
message board around regarding all things
John Wayne. I can't answer your question,
but be assured there are guys here who can.

I hope you stay awhile.

Best wishes

Emmanuel.

Originally posted by Emmanuel@Apr 1 2006, 10:39 AM

Hi Pistoleropoet,

First of all let me welcome you to the best*
message board around regarding all things
John Wayne. I can't answer your question,*
but be assured there are guys here who can.

I hope you stay awhile.

Best wishes

Emmanuel.

30008




Thanks Emmanuel for the warm welcome. It's nice to be here.

I have a correction to make regarding what the buckle is made of. I was talking to a friend today and I was telling him what is written on the back, and when he heard that it said "sterling", he told me that its probably made of silver instead of brass. Personally, I didn't think it was, but I figured I would give it a dab of silver cleaner and see what happened. Sure enough, it IS made of silver. It was just heavily tarnished from all the years it sat in a drawer.

Just want to add a picture of the buckle.

Thanks again

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h157/pistoleropoet/IMG_1239.jpg

Fellows,

I was going through some old posts and saw someone mentioned that they ordered or bought a Red River D belt buckle.

Can you tell me where I might find one?

I also noticed in some pics the Duke has a 26 bar buckle that looks like it was made by the same outfit that made the RR D.

Thanks,

River Junction (http://www.riverjunction.com/)




Rick :cowboy:

Thanks Rick!

Here are Three Pictures of "Red River D Belt Buckles" that you can Buy but You had Better Have Deep Pockets for Two of them at almost $2000.00 !!! :fear2:

RED RIVER BELT BUCKLES (http://www.ranch26bar.com/BUCKLE.html)

Chilibill :cowboy:

I know that there have been many threads about these buckles, but try as I may, I cannot find a legitimate place to purchase one. Can anyone help me?

thanks

You might try this Web-Site and it will show you where you can get the Buckles.

RED RIVER BUCKLE (http://www.ranch26bar.com/BUCKLE.html)

Chilibill :cowboy:

K.D. Wilson,

A big welcome to you, to the John Wayne Message Board!

Chilibill's right about where to get the belt buckle. Quite often, they appear on that "famous online auction site" but you have to watch pretty closely, and they usually go for a minimum of $100 (we've seen a couple sell for over $200!). Just type in "Red River D belt buckle John Wayne" in the search, and see what comes up.

Chester :newyear:

I was looking on ebay and found these belt buckles, one of them about Duke. I know there are a few on this board that like belt buckles, so I thought I would give them a heads up. Take a look here. (http://cgi.ebay.com/JOHN-WAYNE-NRA-US-SHOOTING-TEAM-US-SEAL-BELT-BUCKLE_W0QQitemZ250036245948QQihZ015QQcategoryZ866 52QQtcZphotoQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

If this link doesn't work, just cut and past this address into your address bar.

http://cgi.ebay.com/JOHN-WAYNE-NRA-US-SHOO...1QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/JOHN-WAYNE-NRA-US-SHOOTING-TEAM-US-SEAL-BELT-BUCKLE_W0QQitemZ250036245948QQihZ015QQcategoryZ866 52QQtcZphotoQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Mark

P.S. The links are giving me a problem, hope it is just temporary. But, in case, here's a picture of the buckles.

Hi,
The Red River D belt buckle was not made for Howard Hawks by Bohlens, the belt buckles were made in Mexico just across the border from Arizona during the making of the film. In the Bohlens ads to sell there belt buckle they say they made it but it is false. I have spoken to Howard Hawks's son and he told me the history of the buckles and they were made in Mexico. The only thing I fond out is that John Wayne's Red River D belt buckle was stolen from Bohlens when Michael Wayne gave it to them to make copies of it for his brothers and sisters. Bohlens is using false advertising to sell an expensive belt buckle and it doesnt look like the original.

Chris

I do not think we will ever know what happend or who has the original Red River D Belt Buckle that Howard Winchester Hawks gave to Duke for doing the Film Red River.


I do know that the Buckle was Stolen while they where making the Statue for the John Wayne Airport in Orange County back in the early 1980s.


I do have Two of the Belt Buckles that were given to me back in the 1970s that are Copys of the Original.


For the story about the Statue, the Large Cartridge in the rear of Duke's Gunbelt and the Red River D Belt Buckle being Stolen as told by Mike Wayne, you can go to the Site Below.


http://wyntoontrip.com/DUKE8A.html


Chilibill :cowboy:

I know what happen to John Wayne's Red River D belt buckle, it was stolen from Bohlens on ether 9-24-81 or 9-25-81 according to the police report and it had nothing to do with the statue. I was told when I was a kid by my father that if you want to find out the truth you should go to the souse. so I did. I have spoken to both Michael Wayne and Howard Hawks's son and they both told me that the belt buckles were made in Mexico and that they were made for some cast and crew members and also for family and they were made of silver and gold. The only one that really knows what happen to John Wayne's buckle is the man that stole it. There is a lot of copies of the Red River D belt buckle out there but what you should know is that the original was made of silver and gold they were made in Mexico and not to buy one because someone advertises that they made the original but to by one that you can afford and that makes you happy.

Chris

. . . buy one that you can afford and that makes you happy.
AMEN! You're quite right. The one I wear is similar to the one available at the 26 Bar Ranch Gift shop, and I am very happy with it.

Chris, it would be great if you could share more tales of chatting with Mike Wayne or Howard Hawks' son. How is it you have known them? I see you have been a member of this message board for a long time (since '03), but haven't posted much. I hope that is about to change. We'd love to hear more stories.:hyper:

Chester :newyear:

I joined this message board for the reason of dispelling the facts and rumors of the Red River D belt buckle.
As a friend of Michael Wayne’s before his passing in April of ’03 I know these facts to be true. Bohlin did not make the original! The originals were made in Nogales Mexico during the filming of the movie near by. JW and Howard Hawks exchanged their buckles with each other out of mutual respect and admiration for each other. Not to mention that John didn’t like his initials on things. Hence the belt buckle that the Duke wore had HWH on the buckle. And wear he did in most of his westerns following Red River.
Michael Wayne took his father’s original into Bohlins to be re-mastered where it was stolen. I saw the original police report as well as pictures of the HWH buckle.
I also know for a fact that Michael Wayne worked with friend of his by the name of Gary, owner of Gary’s Custom Saddlery and Silver to do an exact reproduction of the original using both the RRD buckle and the 26 Bar buckle (that Michael wore all the time) as exemplars. No other buckle has come closer! To view this authentic reproduction you can go to his web site > http://www.garyscustomsaddleryandsilver.com (http://www.garyscustomsaddleryandsilver.com/)
Bohlin’s is no where close. And they are claiming to have made the originals in their new advertising campaign! A friend of mine confronted them and they admitted to this fact.
The original buckle was heavy solid sterling silver with all the brand and lettering out of solid 14kt gold. The year on the buckle is/was 1946, the year the movie was made, not the release year.
Some of the original buckles are still in existence with relatives and families of the cast.
I know of some of Michael and Gretchen (Michael’s widow) Wayne’s friends are doing further research into the buckles and their history, and am anxious to hear their results. I hope some kind of article or web site is written or started with the results of all their research.
I’ve attached a picture of Michael’s personal belt buckle.

COWBOY

Thanks for the great reply realcowboy1.

Its good to get info from the source.

It is also too bad that there are people out there that steal and cheat to get ahead. But, such as the nature of some people. I hope someday that the story gets solved and the belt buckle ends up in a place that all fans of JW can admire it.

Cowboy,
It's good to see that the real history of the Red River D belt buckle is getting out. Michael told me the same thing about the belt buckles. Howard Hawks's son has a Red River D belt buckle that his father gave him when he worked as a prop man on the film. There was a number of belt buckles made and in more than one size. Bohlin's silver work is very nice but they shouldn't say they made the original if they didn't and Cowboy you are right, the one that is on that link that is made by Gary is the best that I have seen. Bohlin's should look at that link and maybe they can get an idea what it realy looks like.

Chris

I know of some of Michael and Gretchen (Michael’s widow) Wayne’s friends are doing further research into the buckles and their history, and am anxious to hear their results. I hope some kind of article or web site is written or started with the results of all their research.
I’ve attached a picture of Michael’s personal belt buckle.

COWBOY

Welcome Cowboy!

When you do find out something please feel free to start a new thread or update this one with the new information!


Thanks,

Kevin

Great information,and hopefully goes a long way
to solving the myth, surrounding the buckle.
I know many of us have replicas of some kind,
but it's sure good to see what the original, might look like

I know many of you have your own opinion on what the Real Red River D Belt Buckle looks like, and that is just fine.


I saw the Real One on Duke in the 1970s when I flew Duke and the Hearst to the "Hearst Wyntoon Ranch for a 3 day stay at the Ranch. :smile:


I have two copys of the Buckle that Duke sent to my Wife and I after we had sent the 5 Gallons of Chili to London for the Cast and Crew Party for the Film Brannagan, and they look more like the last two Buckles on the Site Below. When my Wife Martha was still Here we wore them all the time, but now I keep them in the Gun Safe with some of Duke's Pistols and Rifles. :glare:


The one in the middle by "Gary's Belt Buckles" looks just like the one that Duke was wearing at the Wyntoon Ranch, but the Letters and Brand looked more Gold Color, but that could be just the picture not showing the Gold Color.


The one that I wear when I am at the 26 Bar Ranch is the Bottom one on the page and is a good Brass copy. I hope to have 100 of these at the Ranch Soon for the little Museum.



Note;
Most people that I have talked to that know anything about the "Red River Belt Buckle" said that the Ones that Howard W. Hawks had made, were made in Mexico South of Nogales, Arizona.


http://www.ranch26bar.com/BUCKLE.html


Chilibill :cowboy:

If you go to the "official" John wayne website at www.johnwayne.com . Then click on the news button, scroll to the November 6th 2006 date, you will see that Wayne Enterprises is having a official Red River D buckle made by The Bohlin company. You can download the .PDF file and read what the plans are for the reproductions.

SXViper
The one that Wayne Enterprises and The Bohlin Company came out with doesnt look anything like the original. The one that Cowboy has the link to looks more like the original. Also in that ad The Bohlin company clams the they made the original and that is not true, they are saying that so people will buy there belt buckles, and they cost a lot of money.

Chris

OK gang. Here's a picture of the buckle that JW wore. This was his very own buckle that you all saw in the movies! You take a look at the buckles being offered and you be the judge!
Remember, just the fact that it says "official" only means that someone is getting a finacial piece of the action!
Now lets see if I can attach the photo right this time!
1240

realcowboy1,

I appreciate the information you're providing. The belt buckle you have pictured looks like it's made out of brass or copper. My understanding is that it was silver with the raised portions of the buckle in gold. Do you think Duke's wearing the buckle for so many years wore that all off?

Todd, we went to look at the "official" belt buckles at www.johnwayne.com .

They certainly pretty, but I wonder if they are going to cost in the $2000 range, which is hardly affordable for the average fan. I think the one that Chilibill has over at the ranch museum is probably closer to my budget.

Chester :newyear:

Ok, Guys. I wasn't trying to stir anything up on this. I just noticed the article on the website and thought you might be interested. I like to see things in person most of the time before I buy so it it not a problem, especially if the thing runs alot of money.

The picture is pre 1981 when the buckle was stolen, so it's lost a lot of it's color over it's 25+ years of being out in the light! Not to mention, not the best photgraphy back then. It is silver and gold in person still.
Bohlin's new "official" gold and silver buckle is going for $2,650.00!
P.S.
Isn't it kinda fun to "stir things up a bit"? Gets everone talkin' the way I look at it! No harm no foul ment here!

P.S.Isn't it kinda fun to "stir things up a bit"? Gets everone talkin' the way I look at it! No harm no foul ment here!

None taken, realcowboy1, appreciate your posts.

Chester:newyear:

Thanks guys for this interesting thread,
it's been great watching the development regarding this.
Some great information, bneing posted

I will put up a Story on the history of the Red River Belt Buckle on "Duke Stories" soon, after I do more research with some of the people that were there at that time. There are still some of them still alive here in Sedona.


Chilibill :cowboy:

Y'all want to see a picture of one of Michael Wayne's several Red River Buckles that he had made in 2002 let me know. Now that I know how to attach them I can do it right this time.
Cowboy

Y'all want to see a picture of one of Michael Wayne's several Red River Buckles that he had made in 2002 let me know. Now that I know how to attach them I can do it right this time.Cowboy

Realcowboy,

Of course we want to see them, you have to realize, we are all real
Hard Core Duke fans
around here ! ! !:hyper:

Chester :newyear:

OK here's one of the several buckles that was made for Michael Wayne in 2002
1241

Cowboy; Great picture of Mike Wayne's Red River D Buckle !
Do you have a picture of the 26 Bar Ranch Belt Buckle?


It looked just like the Red River D Buckle but with a 26 Bar in the middle.
I know Mike had one because I saw him wearing it at
Bull Sales at the Ranch in the early 1970s. :hyper:


Chilibill :cowboy:

That's all Michael wore was the 26 Bar buckle. Sorry, no pictures of that one.
I'm sure the guy that made the Red River buckle for Michael can make the 26 Bar buckle too!

Cowboy,
Below the only old picture I can come up with of the 26 Bar Ranch Belt Buckle, and a little story on the belt buckle, and some pictures taken at the Bull Sales in 1968.
:drinks_wine:


http://www.ranch26bar.com/26BARBUCKLE.html

Chilibill :cowboy:

Well now that Wayne Enterprises has given the Go-A-Head to the Bohin Company to make the "Red River D Belt Buckle" the New Price has gone up $3050.00 and is a very Fine Looking Belt Buckle, but does not look like the one that Duke Had !
:fear2:


At this Price I think this Leaves Out Most of us Duke Fans, but there are still a few Good Copys out there that look like the real thing, but you better move Fast if you want one, because Wayne Enterprises Attorneys are after the people that are Selling the Buckle for Copyright Infringement !!!
:hyper:


I had put this up a few weeks ago but maybe some of you would like to look at the Buckles that are still out there.


http://www.ranch26bar.com/R_R_D_BUCKLE1.html


Chilibill :cowboy:

"Red River D Belt Buckle" the New Price has gone up $3050.00"

For some reason, the term "money grubbing b#####ds" comes to mind... Don't know why.

Carefull you might upset them!!!

I hope I do! :wink_smile:

OK, just because I'm a little overwhelmed here, where can I buy the affordable buckle that comes closest to the Duke's? HELP ME CHILI BILL!!!
bo

Bopoppa,

There's one up on e-bay just now.

Chester :newyear:

Thanks Chester, Its got about a day left and already at 110.00.
Bo

For you people that want one of the "Red River D Belt Buckle" here are some pictures showing the Buckles side by side.


Some of the Brass Copies are now For Sale on E-Bay under the heading of "RED RIVER D BELT BUCKLE."


http://www.ranch26bar.com/


Chilibill :cowboy:

Well Bill, I think they all look good!!
I suppose the top two look better,
but the one's from The Birthplace,
now look poor copies,
and even have the wrong year!!

. . . and even have the wrong year!!
The first one I got had the wrong year (though I didn't know it at the time). Now I have one of the ones that Chilibill showed at the top of his page.

Chester :newyear:

By the by, it seems there is one up on ebay currently.

Chester :newyear:

Hi,

This of course is an area for the experts.
However we have been asked many times,
if there is a photogaph of Duke wearing the
Red River buckle!
As far as I know, a convincing one has not been posted!!
There has been lots of conjecture as to what
the buckle that Duke wore was actually like!!

Over the last couple of weeks, lots of photos
of the supposed buckle have been posted.

During my research of some old photos and newspapers
I have, I came across this one,
and as far as I can see, the best picture I've seen so far!!


Take a look,

1510

1475 14761511

Close up the photo............................................. ........... The one claimed to be of the original!

As I said, I'm not an expert,
but that there buckle, sure looks more 'squarer' looking to me,
and more importantly there doesn't appear to be
any initials, in that bottom left hand rope square!!
The Red and The River are NOT 'scrolled' writing!!
It also appears to be ONE colour!
It looks more like the shape of the ill-fated Birthplace one,

I repeat, I'm no an expert on this but...

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Here is another picture of what the Buckle that Duke had looked like.


http://www.ranch26bar.com/DUKEANDBUCKLE.html


Chilibill :cowboy:

Bill, could he have had more than one?

Keith,

Duke had Many Copys of the Belt Buckles that He Gave to people that wanted one. I have two of them that He and Pat Sent to me for my Wife and I, after we had sent the Chili to London for the Cast and Crew Party for the film Brannigan.

Bill :cowboy:

Bill, do you think the buckles
in your pictures and mine are different ones?
There is no doubt that the strokes of the river past the D
are steeper, and closer to the D, than the other buckle

Keith,
They look Pretty much the Same to Me, but after all those years, Who Knows?

Bill :cowboy:

I have two of the JW cardboard stand-ups, a little over 6 feet tall, and they both show him wearing a Red River D belt buckle. The quality isn't that good, and it is very difficult to tell if there are initials in the lower left corner, but IMO and to my eye, it appears that there are.

I've taken a couple of photos from each stand-up, none of which are very clear, but for what they're worth, here they are.

Chester :newyear:

Well guys,
Since I was a friend of Michael Wayne's before his passing, I can tell you that the one I posted is the most exact copy you will ever see. I finally called Gary at the saddlery site linked in an earlier reply in this thread,and got the low down. He worked off of many photos of the orginal. Michael Wayne is one I would tend to believe as one of the only experts that could be trusted. There is another friend of Michael's that seems to verify all this ealier in this thread (Chris). I hope he sends me a private message so we can see if we've met in real life! I'll do the same!
By the way Keith, your buckle photo is shot at an angle that distorts the view. That buckle that I posted is his orginal buckle.

realcowboy,

I appreciate your continuing support of this thread. One question that I have, that I don't feel has been adequately answered, is in your photo and others, the buckle looks like plain brass without any silver and gold on it, whereas we've all been led to understand that they were silver with gold highlights. Do you have any insight?

Thank you!

Chester :newyear:

Yes I do, Number one is that the picture (I got from Michael Wayne) I posted is over 20 years old and the colors have faded somewhat. Two is the lighting was not the best or the film used in the amature photo. Three is that silver looses it bright white color as it oxidizes. Four is that silver picks up a yellow hue in regular tungsten lighting.

Realcowboy1,

Another question I was wondering about, do you know if anyone has ever tried to track down the original craftsman or company down in Mexico that made the first ones?
Also, Duke had many more made that he passed out to friends, plus the
bar 26 buckles, any idea where they were made?

Chester :newyear:

There is extensive research being done right now for an article and web site devoted to and about the history and origin of both buckles. But cannot be discussed on or in a public forum prior to the article's release later this year.
Also, there were inexpensive "studio" buckles of the "Red River" buckle that were made for the Duke's movies so that his orginal wasn't damaged in some scenes. These buckles were also used as "giveaways". Several versions of the 26 Bar buckle were made by several different craftsmen through the years, but not made by the orginal craftsman of the Red River D buckle. All of them similar though.
In an earlier question about why the buckles are so expensive is I found out through my research and calls, that the reason the quality Red River D buckles are so expensive is that there is over $1,000.00 in gold and silver alone, not counting the extensive hand made labor and overhead to make them. And also, that any licensed product is paying a 15% to 20% royalty to the owner of the trademark that licenses that particular product.
Hope this answers a few questions!

I would like to see a 26- buckle,,,anyone have a picture... a replica Red River "D" buckle just sold on e-bay for $80.00 plus change.(I guess they are all replicas)...and I wish I had a barrel full...SaddleTramp...

Saddle Tramp,


If you go to this Site it will show you the only known picture of the 26 Bar Belt Buckle, but it looks like we have located one of the buckles from 1968 Bull Sales.


http://www.ranch26bar.com/DUKEANDBUCKLE.html

Chilibill:cowboy:

I have a replica John Wayne Red River D Belt Buckle. I just recently seen that bohlin came out with one officially licensed by Wayne Enterprises that has the year 1946 on it. My buckle has 1948 on it. I am wondering which date is correct? I know the movie was released in 1948 and I have been going through all my pictures to see whats on the buckle the Duke wore in the movies but none of my pictures show the buckle close enough! If any body can help me on this I would appreciate it very much, thanks.

Robert

Big Jake,

The Red River D belt buckle has been an object of extensive discussion here on the JWMB. Rather than repeat a small fraction here, I will redirect you to Belt Buckles (http://www.dukewayne.com/showthread.php?t=1868&highlight=belt+buckle).

It's a long thread, but some real good reading.

To quickly answer your question, the 1946 date is what's on Duke's buckle, which is the year production on the film ended and Howard Hawkes had the buckles made. As you stated, 1948 is the year the movie was released.

Chester :newyear:

Thanks for the link Chester. Wow that was alot of reading! I guess the mystery still isn't all the way solved. Maybe Duke had another buckle without initials that he wore in the movies and the original he wore offscreen? Well atleast I know the correct year now! I purchased mine from the Big Trail newsletter years ago with 1948 on it. I figure what the heck it might have the wrong date but atleast it's got the brand on there. Hope we can figure the complete buckle story out someday. Thanks again for the link and take care.

Robert

Well gang, here's a coup! In the last week I've received pictures of original Red River D buckles owned by David Hawks (Howard's son), Joanne Dru's(smaller version of the original), and John Wayne's 26 Bar buckle with him wearing it and a close up! Boy are these going to help the article and web site for the history of the buckle and it's origin. They all match the buckle picture I've already posted and match the one that is posted on the Gary's saddlery site in an earlier post. Can't believe how close all these buckles are even though each is hand made and varies slightly. No makers mark of any kind on the backs of any of the buckles. Goes to show that Bohlin didn't make them because they stamped their name on anything they could get their brand on!
Just though you'd all want to know this info!
COWBOY

Realcowboy;
Are you going to Share what the 26 Bar Belt Buckle looks like with a Picture?
I have a copy of the Buckle coming soon and would like to see what it is going to look like!


Chilibill
:cowboy:

Chilibill,
Why should realcowboy post a picture, because all you are going to do is post it on your web sight. Also I was wondering if John Wayne gave you two Red River D belt buckles why you don't have them posted on your web sight. Don't get me wrong, I like your web sight but you write about the belt buckles that John Wayne gave you and you don't have any pictures of those belt buckles, could you post some pictures of your buckles.

Chris

Chris;
I will do Just That ! I will be Flying Back over to My House on Monday at the 26 Bar Ranch, if the Weather is still Good, where we now have the little "26 Bar Ranch and John Wayne Museum."


I will also get some pictures of some the other things that I have of Duke's that we now have on Display at the Ranch.


Many of Duke's things that I have will be in the Big Parade in May and then on Display at the Ranch for the rest of the Big John Wayne Weekend !!!


Maybe You have some things of Duke's that You could Put Up on the Web-Site for us to see also?


Chilibill
:cowboy:

Well Bill, I promised my "source" in order to get them, that I wouldn't publish any of them on a public venue until after the article and web site came out. And I don't want more people mad at me. I'm already in trouble from Gary (who has been very generous with his time and info) for posting his buckle and then you posted it on your site without giving him credit or a link to his site. So from now on I have to be VERY careful! Meaning for now that the 26 Bar buckle worn by JW has to remain "private"!

What interesting about these buckles,including the one that Bohlin is making now is that they all seem to be a little different in the script used for the Red River lettering.

Even the one done for Michael Wayne is a bit different.

Realcowboy;
Sorry to here that you can not Share the Pictures you have, but we will have one of the Origial 26 Bar Belt Buckles at the 26 Bar Ranch Very soon and I will put a Picture up on this Site, and I will be having Copys of the Buckle made up for the Real Cowboys here at the Ranch and for the Guests that come Here at The 26 Bar Ranch.


As to Gary, when I talk to him he said that he was Not Going to Advertise his Buckles anymore because he did not want any trouble from Wayne Enterprises, but if I wanted one of his Buckles I could Buy One from him. His Buckle is just like the Buckle that Duke Wore back in the 1960s and 1970s.


You said that you were a Good Friend of Mike Wayne, but I was only with Mike Wayne a few times when I Bought Many of the things that I now have of Duke's when Mike was Hard Up for Money back in the early 1980s in Sedona, Arizona at a Big Birthday Party for Duke after Duke had Passed on, and then when we were trying to get a John Wayne Museum Going at Monument Valley in the late 1980s and early 1980s.


Many of the things that I got from Duke in the late 1960s and early 1970s when I was Flying Duke, and from Mike Wayne back in the 1980s are now at Duke's 26 Bar Ranch at the Musuem that we are working on, you can see on the Site Below and just keep Clicking Next.


http://www.ranch26bar.com/RED_RIVER_D2.html


Chilibill
:cowboy:

Here is a little more Info. on the 26 Bar Ranch and The Red River D belt buckles that Louis Johnson had made for Duke the Cowboys at the Ranches and for the people that came to the Cattle Sales in the 1960 and 1970 at Duke's and Louis's Ranches in Arizona.


http://www.ranch26bar.com/BUCKLES.html

Chilibill
:cowboy:

I see Ebay has a rash of Red River Belt Buckles at present.

Going for £20-£30 mark. I am not an expert in that field so I dont know whether that is reasonable or expensive. I remember an earlier debate where somebody asked were they available so here is a link to one. There are about 8-10 such items on at present.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/John-Wayne-Red-River-D-Buckle_W0QQitemZ190157170621QQihZ009QQcategoryZ294 64QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Mike

Hi Mike,

Thanks for that,
and yes you're right, we have debated it before!
We had loads of different threads about buckles,
so not long ago, I cleaned them all up, into one
dedicated thread, so I.
Hope you don't mind me placing your post here!!

Thanks for tidying up Keith. I knew it was somewhere

Mike

I see Ebay has a rash of Red River Belt Buckles at present.

Going for £20-£30 mark. I am not an expert in that field so I dont know whether that is reasonable or expensive. I remember an earlier debate where somebody asked were they available so here is a link to one. There are about 8-10 such items on at present.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/John-Wayne-Red-River-D-Buckle_W0QQitemZ190157170621QQihZ009QQcategoryZ294 64QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (http://ads.auctionads.com/pagead/link_f340ce56ba4975e8a92e_09bb1ac980f8ce71b99e99c9 e4686753_http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/John-Wayne-Red-River-D-Buckle_W0QQitemZ190157170621QQihZ009QQcategoryZ294 64QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)


Mike
If anyone has taken the time to read through this whole thread, they know that the date on the buckle in the above referenced auction is not accurate (at least not as far as being an accurate replica of the original, which had the end-of-production date of 1946).

So of course I had to mention the information for those who don't want to go back and find it :wink_smile:.

Occasionally, on ebay, there are some buckles that are two toned (silver and gold colored, but not silver and gold), with 1946 on them.

Chester :newyear:

If anyone has taken the time to read through this whole thread, they know that the date on the buckle in the above referenced auction is not accurate (at least not as far as being an accurate replica of the original, which had the end-of-production date of 1946).

Chester :newyear:

Indeed as Jim says above,
This particular buckle looks like the one sold by 'The Birthplace'
a few years back, with the wrong year!!

Below are some Pictures of the Red River D Buckles that are Sill Available in the U.S. if you look Very Hard for one !
:stunned:
And Don't tell me about the Great German Work-Man-Ship, the First ones where Made Just South Of Nogales, Arizona in Mexico for Howard Hawks, and the Correct Date on the Buckle was 1946 !!!
:ohmy:


http://www.ranch26bar.com/BUCKLE.html
Chilibill
:cowboy:

Here's a real nice Red River D belt buckle (http://ads.shoppingads.com/pagead/link_f340ce56ba4975e8a92e_09bb1ac980f8ce71b99e99c9 e4686753_http://cgi.ebay.com/Edward-Bohlin-John-Wayne-Red-River-D-Belt-Buckle-Gold_W0QQitemZ130191364836QQihZ003QQcategoryZ29464 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) for sale on E Bay.

Don't have the $2000.00 they want, but can always dream. :teeth_smile:

Chester :newyear:

I haven't posted anything in a few months but I have been doing some research on the Red River D belt buckle and it has a great story behind it. I have written an article that I am trying to get published. I made the mistake to post on John Wayne.com that Bohlin's didn't make the original buckle like they clam in there ad and that they were made in Nogales, Mexico by a Mexican silver smith. Bohlin's ad also claims that there was only one buckle made and I have fond out that there are at least seven big buckles made and a number of smaller ones made for females cast and family members. I posted this info on John Wayne.com and I was criticised for telling the truth and then I was banned from there forum. I have spent a lot of time interviewing Howard Hawks and Walter Brennan family members and also Michael Wayne before he pasted away and they all told me the belt buckles that they have or there fathers had were made in Mexico. Dakota Surfer said he has never read it in any book about the buckles being made in Mexico so how can I say it. I have also read a lot of books on John Wayne and I have never read that Bohlin's made the belt buckles. I don't post many things in forums like this but I felt that if some one is going to spend upwards of $3000 for a belt buckle they should know that Bohlin's ad is not true and if they are buying the buckle for the reason that Bohlin's made the original they should know the truth.

Chris

Chris,

I remember you posting on this same topic quite a while back, and we appreciate your input.

Just for the record, here is what it says at Bohlin (http://www.bohlinmade.com/custom%5Fshop/p-165-rr2.aspx), regarding the Red River D belt buckle -


A continuing aspect of The Bohlin Company's commitment to excellence in film and tradition is our desire to celebrate and honor those in the entertainment industry that have positively affected our lives. The RR2, Sterling Silver and 14K Yellow Gold, was created for movie director Howard Hawks who purchased it as a gift for his friend and star of his film "Red River." John Wayne went on to wear this buckle in many motion pictures and it was ultimately selected to grace the awesome bronze statue created in his image and honor at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. This trophy buckle is 3.5" wide by 2.25" tall and fits a 1 1/2" belt. This buckle is part of the 100th anniversary of John Wayne's birth certified by Wayne Enterprises. This buckle is limited to 150 pcs and features the number as well as John Wayne's signature on the back of the buckle. The buckle is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.They don't actually say that they made the original, but they are certainly making buckles now to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Duke's birth, with the blessing and sanction of Wayne Enterprises. And they certainly are expensive, certainly beyond the reach of most of us "common people."

Have you done any research as to who the silversmith in Nogales might have been? Is the company still in business?

I would be interested in having you keep us up to date on your progress in publishing your article.

Thanks again, Chris, for sharing your information here.

Chester :newyear:

I have been talking to the Man at Batjac that is called The John Wayne Historian just about every week on these 26 Bar Ranch Pictures, and I will see if I can find out More Info. On the Red River D Belt Buckle.


Bill
:cowboy:

Howdy All,
Just an FYI, the River Junction Trading Post is selling a Red River D Belt Buckle for only $25. It is a pretty accurate rendition of the original, nickle plated brass. I've been wearing mine for a few years now, and they hold up well. Not bad for the price. The web site link is:
http://www.riverjunction.com/catalog/buttons/beltbuckles.html
Take a look. They are in the "common man's" price range. That's the only way I could get one.
Best to all,
Colorado Bob

Thanks, Bob, for sharing that source. We got one there a few years back ourselves, but hadn't seen them recently, and thought maybe they were out. Glad they've got them back again!

Chester :newyear:

Chester,
If you look at the ads that Bohlin's runs in Cowboy& Indians Magazine it says "Official "Red River D" Buckle, authorized by Wayne Enterprises and produced by the historic Bohlin Co., the maker of the original Red River buckle. The Red River D buckle was created for the movie director Howard Hawks who purchased it as a gift for his friend and star of the film, using Wayne's famed design. John Wayne went on to wear this buckle both on and off screen and it was ultimately selected to grace the awesome bronze nine-foot statue created in his image at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California." That ad said flat out that they made the original. This is not true. Also I have not been able to find out the name of the silversmith that made the original, it was so long ago and no one could remember the name. I did get a name off the back of Michael Wayne's 26 Bar belt buckle but I don't if it was the same silversmith, so I can't say.
Thanks.

Chris

I have not seen the ad in C&I magazine, so I can't comment on it, although I believe you.

Have you been to Nogales to try to track down the silversmith? I'm not being confrontational here, just asking to find out how you've been researching this. I'm thinking going down there with a buckle and asking around might result in some further information. I know it was a long time ago that the original buckle was made, but there may still be someone around who knows something. Or maybe even a little shop still around, with a big sign, proud of it's John Wayne "heritage."

Chester :newyear:

Chester,
Howard Hawks's son worked as a prop man on the film and he told me he would go to Nogales on the weekends with everybody to have fun and his father had the buckles made there. He can't remember the name and he was there, and his Red River D buckle doesnt have any cartouche on the back to let me know the name. Also the buckles were made over 60 years ago and I think I have a better chance in seeing my hair grow back then to find the shop that made the original buckles. Bohlins has puts a cartouche on everything they have made over the years doesnt mater what size so that also tells me that they did not make the originals because there are no marks on any of the original buckles that I have seen.

Chris

i heard from a good source that dakota surfer can be a little dictatorial over there. he did shut down the thread about the belt buckles. dakota if i wrong let me know. i know you read these theads.

Bill OF PA,
Dakota Surfer not only shut down the thread he also banned me from the forum all together. All I wanted to do is tell the people the truth about who made the buckles but I guess Dakota Surfer doesnt want the truth posted. I emailed him and he said that I was accusing Wayne Enterprises of false advertising and I emailed back that I am not I accusing Wayne Enterprices of false advertising but I am accusing Bohlins of false advertising. I don't post that often and I probably wouldn't have done it now but I met some one that told me he bought a buckle from Bohlins because they made the original, when I told him the truth he wasn't happy, but he always wanted a Red River D buckle and he said he will live with it. So I thought I would let everyone know so they have a choice before they spend the money. I never thought I would be banned from a forum for telling the truth.

Chris

. I never thought I would be banned from a forum for telling the truth. Chris

Haven't you ever heard, "That No good deed goes unpunished?"

Chester :newyear:

I received an email, a moment ago, from a friend
which I have included below.
I have no idea, what to advise him on this one,
does anyone know, what this could be worth?


2 months ago I was left a belt buckle from my late uncle. it is a John Wayne one that says Brannigan John Wayne on the front and on the back it is engraved with Private edition. i would really like to know a little more about this and maybe even get an idea of what it may be worth so I Can get it insured.


Stevie

I would appreciate, any comments on this.

Keith,

Sounds like the buckles given to the cast and crew at the end of filming the movie Brannigan. I bought one a few years back from a fellow in the British Isles via this message board. Since the movie was filmed over there, most of the buckles are over there. I think I paid around $100 at the time, I suspect the value may be more now.

For insurance sake, its got to be worth at least $1000. :biggrin:

Chester :newyear:

I will drink to that one. It definately sounds like Brannigan. But I've seen them go for around $100 on eBay. But now that we've said something about the price, you can expect them to go up. Oh well.
wbbison

Thanks Jim, wbbison for your prompt replies,
I will relay your information, onto my friend.

Hello Wayne fans. Just thought I would let you fellow collectors know that there is a Brannigan buckle up for auction on e-bay. It is starting at $65 and so far there are no bids. I already have mine so I won't be bidding against you. Anyone know exactly how many of these there are? Any history or stories behind these buckles. It wasn't too bad of a movie, for the ere anyway...ST...

Hello Wayne fans. Just thought I would let you fellow collectors know that there is a Brannigan buckle up for auction on e-bay. It is starting at $65 and so far there are no bids. I already have mine so I won't be bidding against you. Anyone know exactly how many of these there are? Any history or stories behind these buckles. It wasn't too bad of a movie, for the ere anyway...ST...

Hi Saddle Tramp,

There is lots of information on Belt Buckes here.
The answer you're looking for may well be in here.

Thanks for the heads up, Saddle Tramp!

Just to let you all know, I also have a Brannigan belt buckle, so I won't be bidding either :wink_smile:.

Chester :newyear:

Here is a little Picture Story about the "Red River D Belt Buckle" that Duke had and Wore from the 1940s till He Past On in 1979, and was later stolen from the Family and the Real One, No One Knows where it ended up !!!
:ohmy:
http://ranch26bar.com/BUCKLE.html


Chilibill
:cowboy:

Hi Folks,

Have any of you ever seen one of these before?

http://www.vintagetrends.com/images/lot/574/574-0029.jpg (http://www.vintagetrends.com/common/showpic.asp?FL=lot/574&PC=574-0029.jpg)
Just wondering the history of it.

Nice new web site up about the Red River D belt buckle and it's history with lots of pictures of the buckles and movies with him wearing the buckle.
www.redriverdbeltbuckle.com (http://www.redriverdbeltbuckle.com)
I heard they still have a few photos to put up and it's a "work in progress" !!!
(http://www.redriverdbeltbuckle.com/)

This will show you some of the Red River D Belt Buckles that are out there.
:poorfool:
Chilibill
:cowboy:
http://www.ranch26bar.com/BUCKLE.html

As another belt buckle thread has resurfaced,
I have now, also merged that one, into this, the main thread,
I have also retitled the thread at the same time,
so that it now becomes all embracing

Except this new site > www.redriverdbeltbuckle.com (http://www.redriverdbeltbuckle.com/) shows some more of the orginal ones that were made in 1947! Shows John wearing the buckle in other movies. Report of the theft of the orginal. History of the move and the buckle all in one place,
Howard Hawks's son David's buckle. Walter Brennan's buckle, and the one that was given to Joanne Drew.
All I can say it's a great site and can't wait for it to be finished!

Realcowboy1
Thanks for letting us know about the web sight On the history of The Red River D belt buckle. I got kicked off JohnWayne.com for trying to tell a little bit of the history of belt buckle a year ago. Looking at the pictures of the orginal buckles I can see that the Bohlin buckle looks nothing like the orginal. I am glad that the real story is out.
Chris.

realcowboy and Chris,

Thank you both for your perseverance on this topic! Thanks, realcowboy, for the link to that site - obviously well-researched information and very thorough. I really liked seeing the photos of Walter Brennan's and David Hawkes' buckles.

Chester :newyear:

I came across a 26 bar buckle on e-bay for the second time. They are silver with a horned Hereford bulls head in the middle and 26 bar in the bottom rh corner. The story goes that these were given out to buyers of the "Duke's" bulls. I have been surfing e-bay for such things for about 7 years and this is the first time I have seen these. Are they the real thing? Anyone out there have one? Any info would be appreciated...ST...

ChiliBill would be the one to ask. I know he has talked about these in the past.

Mark

Any info ChiliBill?

Chili Bill is definitely the resident expert. I tried calling him, but wasn't able to get through. Hopefully, he'll check in here soon, and give us more information.

I do know that the original 26 Bar belt buckles looked simular to the Red River D belt buckles, and this eBay buckle looks different.

Chester :newyear:

I just got back from the 26 Bar Ranch, and saw the post about The 26 Bar Ranch Belt Buckle that was on E-Bay.
:wink:
I had never seen that Belt Buckle Before and it looks like it is made of Fine Silver with Gold Inlay, the One Duke Wore in the 1960s and early 1970s was made with Mexican Silver that was Not Pure Silver !
:omg:
Below will show you Pictures of some of Duke's Belt Buckles !
:wink_smile:
Chilibill
:cowboy:

http://www.ranch26bar.com/26BUCKLE.html

Thanks, Bill, for chiming in on this topic, and welcome home. Glad you had safe travels!

Chester :newyear:

Well the one that was on e-bay ( the one William T Brooks showed) went up to $271.00 but the reserve price wasn't met. The buying price is $1000.00. I personaly would take 3 Cast and Crew mugs for the same money. Although you can't wear a coffee mug.

amazing..thanks to all for the research....i'd hate to be hornsquallbled

Speaking of belt buckles, there is a belt buckle at the start of the move BRANNIGAN, that appears to be silver with the movie title and John Wayne's name on the buckle. Is this a real buckle? Has this one been duplicated, is it out there? Any one have a thought on this buckle.
Andy:teeth_smile:

Speaking of belt buckles, there is a belt buckle at the start of the move BRANNIGAN, that appears to be silver with the movie title and John Wayne's name on the buckle. Is this a real buckle? Has this one been duplicated, is it out there? Any one have a thought on this buckle.
Andy:teeth_smile:
I aquired one of these a couple years ago. It is brass and shows the London bridge on it and has the Us and British flag on each side of the bridge. On the back it has John wayne's signature and it says " Custom made buckle for Wayne,Levy&Gardner". Mine is limited edition #"836". I suspect there was probably a run of 1000 but I am not sure. Anyone else out there with one of these with a serial # over 1000? Any other fans have one of these buckles?...ST...

I have one. It has #482. I have not heard what the maximum number issued. The cost for me was not very expensive when I bought it.
wbbison

Is there a photo of these belt buckles anywhere? I've never heard of them before.

2346

2347These are a couple of pictures of my Brannigan buckle. I would have to say that it is probably one of my favorite John Wayne collectibles and is the one that gets the most attention. Like you said Colorado Bob, not too many "Duke" fans have heard of them.

Hello and am glad to be a part of this John Wayne forum. At the beginning of the movie Angle and the Bad Man, John Waynes belt buckle appears as he draws and shoots.

My father had one of these buckles as far back as I can remember, 1950, and I now have it.

I have searched the internet for any history of this buckle but with no success.

Is this a collector buckle? Can anyone tell me more about his buckle?

Thank you

Hi gb3006

WELCOME to The Original JWMB.

Please take a look around,
we're a friendly bunch of folks,
and there is a wealth of information to see,
regarding the great man.

You may find these links useful:-


John Wayne:- A Newbies Guide to Duke
(http://www.dukewayne.com/showthread.php?t=4134)

Link to Duke's Movies, Co-Stars- Pals Of The Saddle and Movie Locations (http://www.dukewayne.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5")

We have a dedicated thread about Duke's Belt Buckles,
and all the information you might require will be here:-
Red River D Belt Buckle And Others (http://www.dukewayne.com/showthread.php?t=1868)

All Duke's buckles are collectable,
but have a good look at our thread

Does anyone out there have a belt buckle like the one John Wayne wore in the film Angel and the Bad Man? I am having trouble finding any information about it on the forum. Thanks

Does anyone out there have a belt buckle like the one John Wayne wore in the film Angel and the Bad Man? I am having trouble finding any information about it on the forum. Thanks

Have you checked the link I posted in my reply to you.
All the information we have about belt buckles is there.

Here it is again


Red River D Belt Buckle and Others (http://www.dukewayne.com/showthread.php?t=1868)

Here's (http://cgi.ebay.com/John-Wayne-Red-River-D-Belt-Buckle-/270567278673?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3eff110851) another RRDBB currently on Ebay. The fellow selling them is in Germany, and the cost is $60.00 + $10.00 shipping. It's very well made from the looks of it.

Chester :newyear:

Anyone looking for a Red River buckle let me know and I'll be glad to direct you where to get one.

Here is my Red River D buckle I had commissioned for family gifts a few years back. I think the artist really did a great job on it, solid silver and 24k gold dipped, very close in everyway to Wayne's buckle. I also have an extra one if anyone has an interest in it, feel free to PM me. Maybe I should but in the trading post, not sure? What do you all think?

2535

From the Dec. 2 New York Times -- an article about a missing buckle from Red River.

A Howard Hawks Mystery: Case of the ‘Red River’ Buckle

By MICHAEL CIEPLY

Published: December 2, 2011

LOS ANGELES — In the 1948 film “Red River (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040724/),” there is a scene in which John Wayne traces the outlines of a new cattle brand in the dirt. He draws a “D” for Thomas Dunson, the rough and rowdy rancher he portrays, next to two wavy lines, for the banks of the Red River.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/12/03/arts/03BUCKLE/03BUCKLE-articleInline.jpg
Courtesy Mara Alexandru

This “Red River” belt buckle is at least the third to have vanished.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/12/03/arts/JP-BUCKLE-1/JP-BUCKLE-1-articleInline.jpg
Norman Cook, the film's production manager, in 1978; the buckle the director Howard Hawks gave him is missing.


http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/12/03/arts/JP-BUCKLE-2/JP-BUCKLE-2-articleInline.jpg
EVERETT COLLECTION

John Wayne punching Montgomery Clift in “Red River.”


But has somebody been rustling that brand?

This week Heritage Auctions (http://www.ha.com/), a prominent brokerage for movie memorabilia, suddenly pulled its offer of a silver belt buckle with a gold inlay of the Red River brand, just as the bidding reached $17,000. It was one of a handful of buckles commissioned in 1946, when the film was shot, as gifts by its director, Howard Hawks (http://movies.nytimes.com/person/93764/Howard-Hawks?inline=nyt-per).

A Heritage representative called the buckle’s owner, Mara Alexandru, who had been given it by her father, Norman Cook, the production manager on “Red River.” (http://movies.nytimes.com/gst/movies/titlelist.html?v_idlist=40717;440052;128432&inline=nyt_ttl) The representative told her it had vanished — the same fate that had befallen at least two of the other “Red River” buckles over the years.

The buckles had been embossed with the initials of their original owners. Long ago, Hawks and Wayne, in a friendship ritual, swapped theirs. Wayne then wore the Hawks buckle, marked “H W H,” while performing in a long string of Westerns, including “Rio Bravo.” (http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/41469/Rio-Bravo/overview)

But the “J W” buckle, owned by Hawks, disappeared, either lost or stolen (http://www.redriverdbeltbuckle.com/), according to various accounts. Wayne’s was stolen in 1981 from a silversmith who was supposed to be making copies for the Wayne family, and it has not turned up since.

“My head is melting right now,” Ms. Alexandru said. Her missing buckle, embossed with her father’s initials, “N C,” is one of perhaps 15 from the original set. Since her father’s death 30 years ago, Ms. Alexandru said, she had kept the buckle in a safe-deposit box, aware that it had value but unwilling to sell because of sentiment. She changed her mind recently, though, as her own son turned 18. A single mother who works as a skin-care specialist, she wanted to build a college fund and saw the buckle as a start.

A representative of Christie’s (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/c/christies/index.html?inline=nyt-org) referred her to Heritage, which has offices in Dallas and Beverly Hills, Calif., and might be better positioned to sell a piece of film memorabilia with Southwestern connections. “Take care of this, it’s all I’ve got,” she recalled telling a Heritage representative, as she handed over the buckle in California, where she lives, for shipment to Texas.

“It was received in Beverly Hills, and packed up with other items” for auction, Paul Minshull, an executive vice president at Heritage in Dallas, said in a telephone interview on Thursday. And now, Mr. Minshull said, “we’re unable to locate it.”

Heritage, he added, sells hundreds of thousands of items annually, with a combined value of about $800 million, and has very rarely lost any. “At the moment, it’s a mysterious disappearance,” Mr. Minshull said.

On Thursday Ms. Alexandru filed a police report on the disappearance in Beverly Hills. Mr. Minshull said he expected to file one in Dallas on Friday.
Mr. Minshull acknowledged that Heritage was responsible for the buckle, and said he expected to pay a settlement if it does not soon reappear. “I’m happy to write a check,” he said.

But price may be an issue. While an independent evaluation is in order, Mr. Minshull said, the ultimate value, by his reckoning, will be close to the $17,000 offer that was already on the table. Heritage, he added, has not to his knowledge previously sold one of the original buckles.

Ms. Alexandru contends that additional weeks of online bidding and an eventual live auction would have pushed the price much higher. Though her father, who also worked on films like “Mister Roberts” (http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/64788/Mister-Roberts/overview) and “MASH,” (http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/64361/M-A-S-H/overview) was not well known to the general public, the buckle’s association with “Red River,” Hawks and Wayne was certainly a draw. Charles Morgan, a lawyer for Ms. Alexandru, said it was too soon to speculate how the problem might be resolved.

Wayne’s missing buckle — the one with Howard Hawks’s initials — was valued at $100,000 or more in a police bulletin reporting its theft in 1981. And Heritage’s recent auction of John Wayne memorabilia (http://www.ha.com/c/content.zx?content=johnwayne), including his eye patch from the original “True Grit,” (http://movies.nytimes.com/gst/movies/titlelist.html?v_idlist=51143;129652&inline=nyt_ttl) took in $5.4 million, stunning even members of his family, who sold the goods partly to benefit the John Wayne Cancer Center.

“It was overwhelming, such a surprise,” said Patrick Wayne, Mr. Wayne’s son, in a telephone interview this week. Ethan Wayne, another son, said that just this week he had discussed placing his family’s Red River buckle on the Art Loss Registry, a database of missing art maintained by the International Foundation for Art Research.

Mr. Morgan said that Ms. Alexandru ideally would like to have her property returned. “If the buckle shows up, we’ll take it back from Heritage,” he said. “She doesn’t trust them.”

As for what became of Hawks’s buckle — the one with John Wayne’s initials — Kitty Hawks, a daughter of that long-dead director, said, “I don’t have a clue.”

But she does have a similar buckle from “Rio Bravo,” which Hawks shot in 1958.

“It’s worth less,” Ms. Hawks said. But, she added, “it’s got Dean Martin’s initials.”

As Paula's superb post is about Duke's belt buckle,
I have also copied it across to here

I got a Red river D buckle for christmas.I just wanted to share this with everyone.

I got a Red river D buckle for christmas.I just wanted to share this with everyone.
Looks the same as mine from The Birthplace??
As you read through this thread, the glaring mistake
of this replica, it has the wrong year.
Better replicas can be seen in the thread and even photos's
of Duke wearing his, and with the correct year 1946.
However I am pleased with mine and I trust your are pleased with your gift.

Looks the same as mine from The Birthplace??
As you read through this thread, the glaring mistake
of this replica, it has the wrong year.
Better replicas can be seen in the thread and even photos's
of Duke wearing his, and with the correct year 1946.
However I am pleased with mine and I trust your are pleased with your gift.
Your right,I did a comparison of the two and did notice that.
I have wondered why the did not put the correct year on the replica`s, that we bought? I wished I could afford to get the Buckles from http://www.garyscustomsaddleryandsilver.com/saddle_files/custom3lg_html/RedRiver-f.htm Maybe one day.

Found this address while surfing last night about this buckle, they are saying that there is none in the U.K funny that because there is one on my computer desk had it a long time bought in Skegness for about ten shillings, the brits on the board will know Skegness, bought long before I got into J.W.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1960S-BRASS-JOHN-WAYNE-BELT-BUCKLE-none-in-uk-rare-as-hell-/261139009920?pt=UK_Belt_Buckles&hash=item3ccd191180