The Sennen or Appenzell belt ("Chüeligurt") is not part of the actual Sennentracht. It is a further development of the alpine dairyman's saddlery. But what exactly does that mean? The alpine saddler works according to an old craft that still has a large following today. In addition to studded suspenders, shoe buckles and Sennenchäpli, the Sennensattler also produces handmade belts with silver or brass fittings. Some of today's fittings on the belts are the same as on the suspenders.
Almost every Sennensattler has their own story to tell about the origins. It is said that the belts were decorated with upholstery nails in the 1920s and 1930s and only later were ornaments added. A countess once came to Appenzell and wanted a belt for herself that resembled the dog collars.
Be that as it may, our belts are handmade by Daniel Fuchs, a third-generation saddler, in his studio in Appenzell.
We will be happy to guide you through the production of a classic Appenzeller belt: