Amazing Gypsy Belt - Make-do-and-mend item - 1939 - 1945 - Bakelite Era Plastic Buckle

This is a really interesting hand made belt.  The fabric is black crepe and in general it is not in bad order, there are one or two moth holes but they are on the reverse of the belt.  The buckle is made of  bakelite era plastic -  a large chunky slab of ivory coloured casein measuring 9.5 cms by 5cms by half a cm thick. On this there a tin metal gypsy caravan with a piebald horse decoration.  It is niaive but detailed and handpainted.  The horse has his spots and the Green and white caravan has little curtains with red tie backs!  To add to the Gypsy theme the belt has been liberally covered with pressed gilt metal coins.  The coins vary in size there are 19 smaller ones that are 1.5cms in diameter and 22 larger ones  that are 2.5cms in diameter approx.  The coins have a sort of arabic design on them and have 2 holes through which they are stitched to the belt in a very random order!  The buckle has a hook fastening on it's reverse and this has been neatly screwed on with two perfect tiny screws, typical of 1940's bakelite jewellery.  There is the eye fastening for the buckle on the fabric of the belt, it should be adjustable by pulling it along the fabric.  The Fabric crepe part of the belt measures  almost 32 inches in length and is almost 3 inches wide at its widest point.  This would be wearable but it is also most collectable. It would appeal to people who love the 'make do and mend' work that was created during the world war two years 1939 - 1945 when I think this piece was made.  It would be a fabulous collectable for anyone interested in  vintage buckles and buttons and Bakelite era plastic and would be an excellent addition to a collection of vintage costume jewellery.  You could also use this one for fancy dress or theatre costume. It is in fair to good condition for its age and it does show signs of its age, but that just makes it more 'darling' in my opinion!