Levi's Experts (Paul T, Serge, et. al.) Legit / Model Check

[superchunk]

I was watching these on eBay, and they did very well. I'm curious to know what model thay are and whether this is a fair price. What do you think? Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7742586990&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1

Edited by superchunk on Feb 13, 2006 at 04:51 PM

[Paul T]

Very nice jeans. From a quick look I would say early 60s - leather look patch, not leather, pale stitching, and reasonably dark, think it's bar tacks on the back pocket but the pic's not clear. I had a nicer pair that disappeared when I moved house...

[superchunk]

Thanks for the info Paul! Looks like bar tacks to me too. This site http://www.vintagemotorcyclejackets.com/501xx-tags.htm, seems to indicate that they might be 501 Type-A, S, or F (produced from 67-69), but I don't know. Do many 501's have 2-color stitching?

Also, what does the #2 on the inside of the top button denote? I've read on the forum that these numbers designate the jeans' place of origin and lower numbers are supposed to be older / have better indigo. People seem to know what the numbers mean with respect to LVC (554 (Texas), 555 (SF), etc.), but I can't find any specific references to #'s 2, 6, 8, etc. Thanks again!

(edited for spelling)

Edited by superchunk on Feb 13, 2006 at 05:44 PM

[jdavis]

All pre-68 501s had two-tone stitching on the back pockets and cuffs if that helps. I'm reasonably sure your Levi is a 1967 501s.

Edited by jdavis on Feb 13, 2006 at 07:57 PM

[superchunk]

Thanks jdavis. I appreciate the insight. I wish these were mine, but, alas, they are not . In your experience, is $700 a fair/market price for these? Thanks again.

[Serge d Nimes]

IMHO $700 is too much for those jeans. They are from probably around 65-66, maybe 67. They are transition jeans with a V Stitch and no hidden rivets. The back paper waist tag is gone and the fade is not that great. The 2 on the back of the top botton denotes the factory where they were made. I have a pair of ~67 501s with a 2 qnd they are quite nice. I seem to like 2s and 8s more than 6s. I sold a pair of 501XX (hidden rivets) with a full waist tag 36X32 actual, and a similar fade last year for $640.

Carpe Denim! (not the jean brand silly!)

Edited by Serge d Nimes on Feb 13, 2006 at 11:23 PM

[superchunk]

Thanks Serge. You guys never disappoint .

[Paul T]

Serge is right, they are 66-68, I wrote early 60s before I looked for the bartacks. I have left a message for a friend who I think has the factory codes. the same guy, who helped set up the first LVC reissues, mentioned that the stitching colours varied between factories, so is not always as consistent an indicator of date as is sometimes suggested.

[superchunk]

Interesting... I look forward to hearing what your friend has to say. Thanks again Paul.