Introduction

The belt buckle L’A Mardaga was born in 2000. I took as a starting point the principle of the opening of a shotgun action and the process of creation has required numerous prototypes and the obtaining of worldwide patents. 

This invention is dedicated to my father, Doctor Georges Mardaga whose obvious emotion at the sight of my first prototype has given me the courage to push the design to its perfection. The praise and enthusiasm of Sir Christopher Austyn, the world famous firearms specialist, and the featuring of my belts in his recent catalogues for Bonhams the auctioneers have also proved to be a pinnacle for me. 

I am  proud to tell you that the very first L’A. Mardaga belt on the market and sold via Bonhams London was purchased by the “ Royal Armouries Museum “ ! 

 I have been in the sporting gun business since 1974 and have always been fascinated by the technical and artistic prowess of those involved in this noble art and my thirty years of experience has taught me what it is that both amateurs and collectors in this field find most interesting. It is not just the actual firing of the guns; it is also the quality of the gunsmithing which can be as fine as watch and other clock making skills. With the wearing of the L’A Mardaga belt buckle, the firearms enthusiast can now have a constant reminder of this art. The building of these belt buckles is carried on in the Belgian gunmaking tradition and overseen by a Master Gunsmith at the famous Ecole d’Armurerie de Liege. The fine engraved work is also carried out by Belgian Master Engravers who have world reputations and who work for famous gunmakers such as Holland & Holland and Purdey’s.

 In addition to the unique nature of my design, it is also important to note that each belt buckle L’A Mardaga can be personalized for each client by means of special engraving, the use of precious metals and individualized colour-hardened processes.

 I have also incorporated in this belt buckle a small mechanism which makes it very comfortable; a discreet pressure on the button in the doll’s-head extension on the end of the barrels allows the belt to lengthen, thereby giving ease for those who also enjoy fine food and wine.

The belts themselves can also be made interchangeable for either formal or sports wear and the belt buckles can be personalized for either sex – it was very important for me to design an object that woman will find both practical and beautiful.

Finally, a certificate from the Belgian Proof House, "Banc d’Epreuves des Armes à Feu de Liege", accompanies each buckle and certifies that none are classified as actual firearms.