I was wandering the aisles of a sun‑baked estate sale when something dazzling stopped me in my tracks: a spectacular vintage buckle glinting beneath a faded bandana. My pulse spiked—this was no ordinary find. The back confirmed it: Gist Brand, Inc., the legendary buckle maker, had produced this treasure in the late 1980s or early ’90s to celebrate one of the American Rodeo Legends.

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Up close, the artistry nearly stole my breath. The custom‑made sterling overlay shimmered like moonlight on a desert plain, its edges lined with warm bronze filigree. Two rich ruby accents winked from either side—fiery echoes of arena spotlights. Front and center, one name flowed across exquisite scrollwork: Ben Johnson. Yes, the Ben Johnson—John Wayne’s trusted friend, the rugged cowboy who acted in hundreds of films and captured an Academy Award in 1971 for The Last Picture Show.

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Every detail honored his dual legacy. A tiny movie camera sat opposite a fearless roper, while elegant banners boasted both his coveted Oscar and his World Champion Team Roper title. Flip the buckle over and you’ll find “#232” etched with pride, proof that only a limited run ever existed.

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Holding it, I felt history hum in my palm: the clang of chutes, the whir of film reels, the roar of rodeo crowds. Its beautiful condition makes it a crown jewel for any rodeo enthusiast, vintage collector, or trend‑setter craving a bold slice of Americana with vintage flair. Rarely does an heirloom unite Hollywood glamour and arena grit so flawlessly—but that’s exactly what this buckle does, and it’s nothing short of incredible.