Photos: Harley the buckle man

Earl Harley, 80, cuts metal into the shape of Africa. He makes buckles for the rich and famous from his tiny stall in Harlem, N.Y.

Earl Harley, 80, cuts metal into the shape of Africa. He makes buckles for the rich and famous from his tiny stall in Harlem, N.Y.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Aug. 7, 2015 4 AM PT

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Harley the buckle man

He calls himself “Harley the buckle man.”

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Signature buckle

Harley made a metal cutout of President Obama’s signature, which he will send to the president as a gift.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Harley wears a T-shirt with his logo.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Making buckles

Harley at work.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Harley the Buckleman

Harley’s stall is at the back of the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Buckles for celebrities

Some celebrities return Harley’s buckles or don’t acknowledge receiving them.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Buckles

Some of Harley’s handmade buckles.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Letter from Obamas

Harley holds a letter from President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

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