Europelli Custom Handmade Watch Straps
Crafted Entirely by Hand For Enduring Beauty and Long Life.
Vintage Strap Collection
Discover extreme rarity in leathers tanned half a century ago.

Limited Edition
True Vintage Military Leather c. 1942
This is where things get real.

** This amazing leather is close to being sold out **

Let's all be honest and candid here.  The use of the term "Ammo strap" is used today with little to zero concern with regard to its true provenance. Sadly, it's been like that for 10 years or more and countless different makers are guilty of it.  I'm not here to bash other makers, but, as a consumer much like yourself, I just can't wrap my head around false or clouded claims ever being okay with a product or service.

Today's world of so-called "Ammo" straps should be insulting when 85-90% of them are being made from leathers tanned within the last few years.  Complete with custom stamps with perfect positioning and fresh imprints, they're in seemingly endless supply when original pouches or hides from that era simply are not.  If a strap has been altered and made to look old, somehow it's become the accepted standard over the past decade to go ahead and call it an "Ammo" strap.  I understand and appreciate not all makers do this, but those examples are few and far between. Kudos to those few who are doing it right!

Enough of that, though.  Rant over.  Deep inside I'm sure you may have suspected it for a while now.


Now allow me introduce you to something truly special.  Something I know you've not seen before.


A one-of-a-kind single hide originally tanned for U.S. military carry goods.  Free from cosmetic alterations and false claims of origination. This is the real deal.

The time and effort to find this 80 year old antique leather was extraordinary, as is the condition of this half hide tanned in 1942. It was originally made by a tannery here in the U.S. who had contracts to supply leather document holders (usually maps), small satchels, and scabbard (rifle cases) to U.S. soldiers and officers during WWII.  The leather was purchased directly from a family member who's great grandfather owned the tannery.

The gorgeoous color you see is the result of completely natural patina development.  I included a few photos showing the half hide in its original form.  The white powdery substance on the surface is referred to as bloom in the leather industry. When working with a true antique or vintage leather, bloom is highly desirable because it shows physical evidence of proper storage.  And, of equal importance, nourishment and hydration. Essentially, it's the result of collagen and waxes rising to the surface over time.  It's usually rubbed back into the leather with your hands or it can be removed with a horsehair brush.  After taking the photos of the hide, I rubbed the bloom back into the leather and then followed up by further nourishing it with a wonderful conditioner called Bick 4. It feeds the leather, but it doesn't change the color or prevent it from breathing.  What this means is that it will still be able to develop a beautiful rich golden patina with some time and wear. And, believe me, it's a patina magnet in the very best of ways!

I would encourage you to click on and expand the photos of the hide that I've included. They illustrate transparency, which I'm sure you'll appreciate.

I also included a photo with a popular book placed on top to serve as a reference for size.  That's all I have to work with and nothing more.  As you can see, there's painfully little available and there's just not much to go around.  What you see is the genuine article.

Astonishing & Unrivaled
Patina Development

The photos above were graciously provided to me by a client.  His Limited Edition True Vintage Military strap was worn in regular rotation, along with many other straps.  The exquisite golden patina that you see is all natural and was able to develop after approximately 6 months.  The depth and richness of color is simply incredible!

Truth be told, this client/collector never babies his straps.  His profession sometimes calls for him to be in less than ideal environments, including sea water.  If you want your strap to look like the ones above, don't be afraid to wear it like you mean it.  If you don't, then feel free to pamper it.  Just know that glorious potential is at your disposal.

Embrace the true history of this magnificent antique leather and enjoy the natural character that reveals itself during its new journey with you.  Using the words of the collector who owns the strap above:  "Absolutely epic!"

Limited Edition
Antique Maduro Calfskin
c. 1966

This is also a true vintage leather.  Originally tanned in 1966, the distressing you see is natural.  Very rare and unique, this strap is showcased with a minimalist hand tack stitch so the leather can stand on its own.  That is the way it is recommended but, of course, I will gladly hand stitch it any way you like.  Photos of each are shown above for your comparison.

While the leather itself is strong, due to its age and type of leather, the exterior will show wear from the buckle and everyday use, gaining character in the process.  If you want something that will not show this type of character, consider the LE True Antique Military shown above or  the LE Cigar North of Cordovan horsehide.

$160
Minus the discount featured at the top of this page.

** This rare leather is now in limited supply.  **

Custom Watch Strap
Hand Stitch Colors

Select from the collection of 16 different colors, all extremely high-quality, triple-twisted, and fade resistant.  All of the custom and pre-crafted straps are saddle stitched entirely by hand.  This is a lost art because it's very time-consuming and requires a great deal of patience and experience.  The reward is realized within the finished strap.

It's also the method you should demand if you appreciate the finest quality, durability, and character.

The Original Half Hide

Nearly 8 decades old, this half hide was originally tanned here in the U.S. during the WWII era of 1942.  It was preserved to perfection and is showing early development of what will later become a stunning golden patina.

Using a popular book as a reference for size, you'll see that there is very little work with and to go around.

Custom Handmade
True Vintage Military Ammo Straps

The regular price for this strap is $269.00.  However, for a limited time, I will create one to your specs for $239.  I even have a few of them which have been Pre-Crafted, discounted further, and ready to ship.

This will include the Limited Edition True Vintage Military strap, hand saddle stitched in the color of your choice, as well as a sewn-in curved Pre-V buckle in the finish you prefer.  Screw Type 24mm Titanium Pre-V buckles will be available for only $10 with this strap.  All others will be included.

Due to the extremely small size of this half hide, I will only be able to make these in very limited numbers.  First come first served, and once this irreplaceable leather is gone - it's gone for good.

$239
Minus the discount featured at the top of this page.

** This amazing leather is now close to being sold out. **
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