Ray Pohja Master Leather Carver Floral Belt Found

[chriscraft]

Today I was driving past one of my favorite Antique consignment shops here in Milwaukee and I decided to stop in. I found what looked to be a hand tooled western floral pattern on an old used leather belt. It was behind the glass counter so I asked if I could take a close look at this item. First thing I looked for was the maker's mark, I was now holding a belt carved by Ray Pohja. This was exciting,, an actual work of art by one of the Master Leather Carvers of all time. The detail is amazing and the freehand decorative cuts on the back side of this belt is pretty flawless.

I have no idea when this belt was made or what it's worth. It just had to come home with me.

[skeeter]

Nice find! Enjoy going through shops like this never know what kind of treasure's you will find.

[King's X]

Very nice find!

[chriscraft]

After inspecting this leatherwork for a while, its no doubt he was good at what he did. I've only seen pictures of his work but I think this is a good example of his high end belts. It not only has his trade mark floral pattern but also filigree with inlay work and his clean decorative scroll cuts on the back side. Truly a master at his craft, I can only wonder how long it took him to construct one of these belts.

Does anyone know how to put a date on this work? I searched and found two makers marks he used. One has all capital letters in his maker's mark and this one has some lower case in the maker's mark.

[DoubleC]

Looks like the carving could leap off the belt. Beautiful. Cheryl

[MonicaJacobson]

Very cool find!

[chriscraft]

Being a leather carver myself I am stoked that I found this piece. The belt was a consignment that had been sitting inside that counter for a few months. The price had been reduced due to potential customers not being interested as it was missing the Western buckle they thought it should have. I had been inside this same shop at least three times this year and had not seen this belt before. I'm just glad it was still available, buckle or not.

I have to admit, I only visit antique shops in search of vintage leatherworking tools. I have only found a few small hand tools in the past 8 years since I began going to these shops with my wife. I've been inside too many to keep track and feel it finally paid off. So it was definitely a rare find for myself.

I will be a good keeper of this belt and learn from it. For me, it's more than just a leather belt.

[Bob Blea]

I don't blame you, that is a great find! Thanks for posting the pictures.

[chriscraft]

After doing a little research on this style of belt. I believe this is what is known as a "Trophy Belt" or "Trophy Style Belt". This belt is 1.5" wide and would fit most trophy buckles.

Looking at this floral carving, I can not see a repeat in pattern throughout the entire length. Maybe Ray Pohja intentionally designed this as one of his go to patterns or he just simply free handed this entire layout. Even the belt loop was finished in the same style, filigree cut, inlayed and back lined to match this belt. All edges are finished and looks to be hand stitched with a hand awl. I am excited to own one of his prized belts.

[Bob Blea]

How is that belt stitched? It almost looks like it's buckstitched but with thread instead of lace.