Vintage Denim?

[Maynard Friedman]

The oversized stitching and rivets, etc (relative to the diminutive size of the jeans), see below:

[MJF9]

@Maynard Friedman do you still wear them?

[Dr_Heech]

57 minutes ago, Maynard Friedman said:

The oversized stitching and rivets, etc (relative to the diminutive size of the jeans), see below:

Oh l remember now,  used to see them whilst browsing for VS Lvc stuff back in the early 2000's. Yeah definitely OTT.

[Maynard Friedman]

35 minutes ago, MJF9 said:

@Maynard Friedman do you still wear them?

Only on special occasions.

[crownzip]

My wife's favorite denim is a pair of 1950's Lee dungarees!

[aho]

^Well that's as good as it gets 🙏

[PBTony]

Aware these are just barely vintage so I can move to another thread if not suitable.

I got some Levis 501s one wash made in USA 1999 deadstock. These are a factor code 524 which I believe is El Paso Texas factory which made Levis from 1966 to it's closure in 2002. I stand to be corrected though as aware there were a few factories in Texas some producing for levis since 1947.

I was comparing the denim to some modern one wash 501s made in Cambodia. Thought it was pretty cool to see side by side.

I also have some very faded stf from same factory code 1995. I love the cloudy fades on those. 

This new pair fits perfectly. Obviously quality can't compare to pre 80s selvedge denim but i still feel like the denim is robust and I like how hairy fluffy they are. And of course made in USA.

With inflation they're the same price as current 501s.

[Dr_Heech]

Something l  have found to be a rare detail on vintage levis 501 and certainly something  to my knowledge, that hasn't been replicated yet, are these hidden rivet parts being used for button backs.

The first two pairs are owned by the Jukebox shop guy. They are post-XX (Just), one having the 501-501 designation on the patch and both having a J stamp on the top button, which l believe is the San Jose factory(?) That is only important because l've only ever seen 4 pairs, which doesn't necessarily mean anything, but l would imagine there would be more popping up in places, so to me rare.

 

 

And recently l snapped these one wash(?) pair which had just 501 on the patch but still J stamped waistband button, so a later pair who knows? Just a beautiful almost forgotten detail that is ripe for reproduction. These one's retain the copper coating too. 

 

 

Anyway,  carry on..

Edited November 8, 2025 by Dr_Heech
Forgot the J stamp

[indigoeagle]

@Dr_HeechThat is a very interesting detail. Had never seen that before. It seems quite rare as you say.
WH, LVC, etc. should hire you as a consultant.

[Dr_Heech]

38 minutes ago, indigoeagle said:

@Dr_HeechThat is a very interesting detail. Had never seen that before. It seems quite rare as you say.
WH, LVC, etc. should hire you as a consultant.

😂

To be honest, most of it is in here anyway  and some still on DB. I'm certainly running out of new things to discover/discuss or consult about 🤔

Almost feel like my time here is running out due to lack of new material.

Edited November 9, 2025 by Dr_Heech

[silencejoe]

38 minutes ago, Dr_Heech said:

😂

To be honest, most of it is in here anyway  and some still on DB. I'm certainly running out of new things to discover/discuss or consult about 🤔

Almost feel like my time here is running out due to lack of new material.

You are the MASTER, time never run out Dr. 😎

[Dr_Heech]

1 hour ago, silencejoe said:

You are the MASTER, time never run out Dr. 😎

I'm Dr_Heech not Doctor Who 🤣

[rbeck]

On 10/31/2025 at 2:47 PM, Maynard Friedman said:

The oversized stitching and rivets, etc (relative to the diminutive size of the jeans), see below:

My girl calls these yarn jeans

[scooby]

@Maynard Friedman True Religion were all the rage when I was in grade school

Polo top (horsepower), Trues, and some retro Jordans

[aho]

Random YouTube algorithm find, but wow, one of the best pairs of 47's for my personal taste (I'd be as giddy as him too)

[LazyS]

Aunt E

Aunt D

 

 

 

Edited December 20, 2025 by LazyS

[julian-wolf]

On 11/16/2025 at 4:12 PM, scooby said:

@Maynard Friedman True Religion were all the rage when I was in grade school

Polo top (horsepower), Trues, and some retro Jordans

The really cool jeans during the True Religion era were those Gerbaud joints w/ the straps, toss those on w/ a full zip BAPE hoodie and you’re peak aughts east bay (as interpreted by a middle schooler)

Every now and then I think about trying to find a pair; they were for sure sold raw

[CSL]

Going through some of my closet spaces I hadn't checked in a while, and came across cross a couple of original Big E Type 3 jackets. I'm wondering if anyone can give me an idea of what they sell for these days? I'm not necessarily looking to sell them, as they fit me quite well but it'd be nice to know the current value. 

One is older and has the yellow stitching, the other has orange stitching. 

I'm thinking Dr_Heech, our resident expert on such things will have an idea or two....

Edited December 29, 2025 by CSL

[Dr_Heech]

36 minutes ago, CSL said:

Going through some of my closet spaces I hadn't checked in a while, and came across cross a couple of original Big E Type 3 jackets. I'm wondering if anyone can give me an idea of what they sell for these days? I'm not necessarily looking to sell them, as they fit me quite well but it'd be nice to know the current value. 

One is older and has the yellow stitching, the other has orange stitching. 

I'm thinking Dr_Heech, our resident expert on such things will have an idea or two....

Probably do Carl, can you post some photos up? Sounds like a possible 557xx or early 70505 or possibly both early 70505's.

Hey if either is a size 46 I'll buy one for sure! Or swap something?

[scooby]

@CSL condition plays the biggest factor

557XX have a huge window

Big E 70505s with nice wear, even still dark often sell for under $200 USD

[Facini]

On 9/17/2025 at 3:54 PM, Facini said:

Newest catch - another 101-J. This one without any “MR” labeling. Also “X” on the back of the buttons.

I’m guessing the line on the upper chest is a denim “seam” of sorts?

This one is up for sale - feel free to hit me up for the deets! And happy new year, folks!

[Double 0 Soul]

Pricey!

https://zenmarket.jp/en/auction.aspx?itemCode=r1188993337

[ATWM]

Shame about that - looks like it would be a good fit for me! 

Solid evidence the world is mad, though. 

[reallypeacedoff]

If I won the lotto, I still wouldn't be able to afford that.

[Maynard Friedman]

It’s only mad if someone pays the asking price, otherwise it’s just a bit silly.

[ATWM]

1 hour ago, Maynard Friedman said:

It’s only mad if someone pays the asking price, otherwise it’s just a bit silly.

Meh, the ask alone is mad enough! 

[beautiful_FrEaK]

The asking price is interestingly precise 

[PBTony]

And you need to pay for shipping 

[Double 0 Soul]

Aww! the reality is far less interesting

Seller has the jacket for sale at a mere ¥2,500,000

The ¥857,347,999 listing is just the additional images with a crazy price to deter buyers.

[reallypeacedoff]

4 hours ago, Double 0 Soul said:

Aww! the reality is far less interesting

Seller has the jacket for sale at a mere ¥2,500,000

The ¥857,347,999 listing is just the additional images with a crazy price to deter buyers.

The wife has been told that it is up, priced to sell, but no one is bidding. Guess he'll have to keep it. Common motorcycle/exotic car trick.