Every Buckle Has A Story. Montana Silversmiths knew they wanted to do something memorable as they approach their 50th anniversary in 2023. Their vision was to tell the story of Montana Silversmiths in a Big and Bold way. That was the only way to truly represent a company that builds world champion buckles for organizations like NFR, PBR, PRCA, and more, not to mention thousands of rodeo contestants the world over. What better way to showcase the story of an iconic fixture of the Western way of life than by setting the record for the world’s largest belt buckle?

Largest Belt Buckle

Like other Montana Silversmiths buckles, this one has a story all its own. It started as a dream. To take on the challenge of breaking a world record, Montana Silversmiths had to strictly follow guidelines from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™, one of which stated the item had to be an “authentic replica to scale” of an existing buckle available for sale. Montana Silversmiths' Big Horn trophy buckle design has been a customer favorite for years and was chosen to be replicated as the larger-than-life, world record setting buckle. The artwork for this large-scale reproduction was created in collaboration with Priefert Manufacturing Company, LLC., the largest metal manufacturer in the Western industry, and started the journey to replicate a custom belt buckle in a BIG way.

Everything was created to exacting specifications, from the scale and curvature of the buckle to the materials and intricate details of Montana Silversmiths silver artistry. Each design element meticulously fabricated; no detail was left untouched to assure accuracy in the creation of a large-scale, genuine buckle that took over six months to achieve.

“The vision for this buckle needed to incorporate everything Montana Silversmiths has perfected through nearly 50 years. The design had to be perfect and the execution flawless,” recalls Judy Wagner, Chief Marketing Officer. “We needed to bring it to life and to share our story authentically. We found a partner in another Western industry leader, Priefert Manufacturing Company, LLC. It was a welcome fit because of friendships, shared relationships, and a shared commitment to authenticity and the Western lifestyle. Together, our passion, artistry and teamwork made this dream a reality.”

The giant buckle was created and transported in four sections, each weighing just over 250 pounds. Custom-made crates transported each quadrant, and a special stand holds the buckle so it would fit in the Montana Silversmiths showroom in Dallas, TX.

Montana Silversmiths chose to reveal the World’s largest belt buckle at the WESA (Western and English Sales Association) Market on January 13th at 4 pm as they pay respect to retailers. Wagner noted, “For without our customer’s and partner’s support, Montana Silversmiths would not be where it is today, a sought-after brand of distinctive and valued buckles and jewelry.”

The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for largest belt buckle was awarded to Montana Silversmiths for the largest belt buckle measuring 3.20 m x 4.43 m (10 ft. 6 in. x 14 ft. 6.4 in.) from an official attempt on October 20, 2021.

“The buckle is a perfect way to celebrate the industry and come together to showcase our lifestyle in iconic fashion,” Wagner says. “It’s a culmination of a lot of people’s hard work, it is amazing. Every buckle has a story, and this one tells our story in a big way. We are paying homage to a quintessential piece of the West and cowboy way of life. It is a way for the world to see the Western lifestyle in a different light. This is who we are: authentic, innovative, and genuine.”

About Montana Silversmiths
Montana Silversmiths, headquartered in Columbus, Montana, pioneered the development of western fashion in both buckles and jewelry in 1973. The company is known for its skilled craftsmen, perfecting a combination of traditional western designs, and crisply executed engraving styles. These include buckles, jewelry, and lifestyle products for western enthusiasts and individuals who appreciate authenticity and craftsmanship. The company is the Official Silversmith of the NFR (National Finals Rodeo), PBR (Professional Bull Riders), and PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association), among other western and outdoor organizations.

For more information, visit www.montanasilversmiths.com.

About Priefert Manufacturing Company, Inc
Family-owned and operated since 1964, Priefert is headquartered in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Considered a leading innovator in the industry, what began with the launch of a single headgate, has since grown into one of the world’s largest rodeo and ranch equipment manufacturing facilities. Given their volume of consumption and history of steel fabrication, Priefert has also expanded into the steel market, specializing in supplying a variety of steel products to manufacturers, service centers, and other volume buyers. A true testament to the American Dream, Priefert is proud to produce a quality product that is made in the USA.

For more information, visit www.priefert.com.

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