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Gold Mallard w/Mokume-gane & Hand Engraving
Sterling Silver Tabula Rasa Channel Belt Buckle

Sterling Silver Gold Mallard Channel Belt Buckle
Shown on Straight Strap

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This Gold Mallard Tabula Rasa channel buckle is one of a pair of "odd ducks". The other one is a Silver Mallard. They are an earlier generation of the Tabula Rasa buckle, and are a little smaller than the current one. Being early experiments incorporating Mokume-gane they have a certain folk-arty-ness. They are both unique pieces of Neil's work.

The buckle itself is solid sterling silver with mokume-gane overlay. The mallard is overlaid in 14K gold, and the 24K gold line-inlay circle and horizontal lines, as well as the deceptively simple engraved scroll-work frame the mallard in flight. The mottled, copper-colored mokume-gane can be viewed as a colorful sunrise or sunset over a pond.

The Tabula Rasa is Neil's answer to the Channel Belt Buckle (also called a ratchet or tension buckle) that was popular from the Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 1800's through the Art Deco era of the early 1900's. These buckles were originally mostly hand-crafted. This is the first lost-wax cast buckle of its type that we know of. The current version of the Tabula Rasa is Neil's fourth (v4.2) generation of improved design. The buckle now has an even sleeker profile, and the ratchet grip is stronger than ever. This ensemble is simplicity and elegance at it's best.

The Tabula Rasa buckle is cast in solid sterling silver. It does not have sharp edges or corners and is extremely leather friendly. The burnished-edge strap fits through the buckle like a hand in a glove. A two-piece ratchet pinches the leather from the back to hold it in place, allowing for easy adjustments in any increment you want. (Neil often adjusts his out a bit when he sits in the car, it takes three seconds to do.) The strap requires no holes, allowing for a totally clean and minimalist look. It is 1¼" (32mm) wide, and looks terrific on a Black or Cordovan belt strap.

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