Great 1950s Lee Riders. Half Selvedge denim construction with a Scovill Gripper Zipper zip. This particular pair of jeans measured about 28×28, but had been taken in at the waist and down the outer seams of both legs to construct a slimmer fit. The indigo was still dark, a desirable trait for jeans of this age. See my other Lee Riders post for an example of a slightly later pair.
The red label on this Lee 101-J was used until around 1956. This particular style was introduced in 1948 as the Lee Rider Jacket according to Lee Europe’s website. Later examples remain almost entirely the same with subtle variations to the inside label. In future iterations of the red and gold label have the model and size highlighted in gold thread. The longer “bar” label also produced in red and gold on black. Sometime in the 60s, red was dropped entirely from the label.
This example is in particularly amazing condition for its age. Appears to be washed once if at all. Sanforized so shrinkage wouldn’t be of concern, but I can imagine it was washed or soaked once to ensure the indigo wouldn’t leech into the gold embroidery thread.
Not entirely sure the origin story of this jacket, but it’s probable the owner was a rodeo participant and the jacket a promotional item from Lee. Cheyenne is of course the capital of Wyoming and host to one of the largest, longest running rodeos in North America – Cheyenne Frontier Days, founded in 1897.
This jacket is available for sale.
Vintage Western Field bird hunting jacket. Black Label vintage denotes age sometime between the 30s and 50s. Has game pocket around back, call pocket, hand pockets and lower hip pockets. Corduroy lining on collar and cuffs. Under the collar is a button down flap hiding an elastic band. Not entirely sure its us. Awesome lines and construction on this piece. Gusseted vented pits and back for ease of movement. Nice heavy sturdy duck cloth cotton canvas.
The Levi’s Type Three Big E Jacket is a similar style to what is known today as the Trucker Jacket. The Type Three has one glaring difference from today’s trucker jackets though, no side pockets. The Type Three is the successor to the Type two and Type One. The jacket is Big E era which makes it pre -1971, though the style continued on for the remainder of the 70s with the small e tag.
This particular jacket is has a total of seven patches commemorating the great Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta from the 1980s. Back Patches are from 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 with another undated patch on the right shoulder. The AIBF was started in 1972 and is the world’s largest balloon festival.
Lee Riders, also known as the 101Z debuted in the 1950s and represent a transition from the company’s work wear history in to more casual, mass appeal wears.
On this particular pair the inside Tag is marked: Lee Riders Sanforized Waist 32 Union Made in the USA. The Button back is stamped: R. Zipper is made by Talon. Lee riveted front and coin pockets. “lazy S” stitched on rear pockets. The “branded” Lee patch is long gone. You’ll notice on Lees, unlike Levi’s the selvedge denim self edged appears on only one side of the outer seam.
As with most items from time and place predating the “throw-away age”, these jeans are well-worn and have been mended multiple times. There’s a bout a 4.5″ x 6″ patch on the right thigh. A 2″ x 3″ patch on the left side below the rear pocket. A hole and repair with red thread on the left knee, a small hole forming below the zipper on the right side front, and a 4″ hole in the left cheek with additional wear below. Some white paint and other darker stains. Round out the patina that only time can create.
Vintage Levi’s second generation 507xx big E selvedge denim jacket.
This jacket is in very nice condition with no holes, rips or snags. Denim is still dark and vibrant with only some lightening at pleats. Selvedge finish down the inside front, red line has since faded out. Stitching still bright and clean. Loose threads along bottom inside hem the only imperfection.
Two breast pockets, no side pockets. Waist compression tabs in the back
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