Levi’s Selvedge 501xx – Small e

70s? Levi’s 501xx redline selvedge denim jeans. Double stitched back and coin pocket, Two sided Levi’s small e tag.

Top button marked with the number 6, no other buttons marked. Rear paper tag missing. Inside the pocket silver rivet backs read L.S.& Co- S.F-. Outside copper rivets read the same. Button fly Buttons read LEVI STRAUSS & CO S.F. CAL

actual measurements:
Inseam 2.25 inches
waist 32 inches

Lowa Climbing Boots Mens 5 1/2 N – Womens 7

This pair of German made Lowa heavy duty climbing boots is currently for sale on the Basecamp Vintage Etsy Store.

These boots have some superfluous scratching and markings on the uppers but that’s about the extent of the wear. Exterior leather on the uppers shows no stress points, cracks, gouges or other serious weathering. A gusseted single tongue keeps the weather out when laced via the swivel rings and hooks with candy cane laces.

Inside the boots are fully lined with soft full-grain leather. The shaft has a layer of padding sandwiched between inner and outer for comfort. Soft padded cuff at the top of the shaft is in great shape with no cracking. Previous owner’s name has been blacked out with marker but other wise insides are very clean and odor free. There is a lightly padded insole also in nice shape.

The double stitched welt is in great condition with no broken stitches or separation between the boot and sole. Attached is a fine Vibram Montagna Italian made lugged sole. The sole shows very little signs of wear save for the few pebbles living within its grasp since the boots were last used.

There are a few great attributes about these boots one can really appreciate. My personal favorite is that the entire upper (minus the tongue) is made from a single piece of leather. This pieces is fused by two double stitched seems on the inner side of the boot. One of the greatest seems on a boot I’ve ever seen.

Very nice patina on these boots as is but they could really use a rub of Lederbalsm before being put back into service.

Inside these boots are stamped N 5 1/2 0542
Please note these boots may differ from a typical US size 5 1/2, check measurements below.

Insole measures:
9 5/8 inches heel to toe
3 1/4 inches wide at ball of foot

Outside of the boot measures:
approx 10 3/8 inches heel to toe

Shaft Height:
6 1/4 inches from welt

Fostline Kit Anorak Parka

The Colorado sew-it-yourself kit company Frostline churned out dozens upon dozens of patterns throughout the 70s and 80s. This 60/40 Anorak Parka is a great example of how these affordable kits, when constructed properly resulted in beautiful, technical pieces as good as any others on the market at that time.

Features:

  • Zip Kangaroo pocket
  • Separate pass-through front pocket
  • Nylon waist draw lace with spring cord lock
  • Velcro adjustable cuffs
  • 1/4 zip front
  • hood draw lace
  • small gauge TALON zippers throughout

1959 Swiss Military Rucksack

Vintage Swiss Army Rucksack Backpack

This bag is constructed of heavy duty green and white military canvas with leather and metal fittings. Thick leather straps are adjustable by buckle at the bottom for length; and at the top for slack from back plate.  Both straps are anchored at the top by a large D ring. The left strap is hinged by a metal pin half way down, while the right is breakable by way of a hook and ring. Not sure what this was for, possibly ease of exit from a loaded pack, or to allow for strap accessories.

Two rods running the length of the back panel give the bag rigidness. An inch wide metal bow at the bottom of the bag is spanned by a cotton strap to offer padding and breathability at the waist. Top closure is completed by a cotton draw string through aluminum grommets  and a canvas flap secured by leather straps.  There is also an internal gator with cotton tie cord to further secure contents from the elements. One external pocket on the front of the pack is also secured by leather straps and metal buckles.

This pack is sold with two original lashing straps to secure goods to the top flap via metal loops.

Soldiers returning from WWII who took up mountaineering as a hobby and sport used packs just like this early on. These designs were later taken and adapted by outdoor companies for use specifically as outdoor products. The designs of many early packs from companies like Gerry, Class 5, The North Face and Kelty can be seen in this pack. It is a great piece of military history and outdoor history.

Strap harness markings read:
Albi Ritz
Sattler
Erlenbach
59

One of the top flap straps is stamped with the Swiss cross and the letter M

Measures:
7 inches deep at base
19 inches tall
15 inches wide at base
9 inches wide at top

Weighs approx 5lbs

The North Face Brown Label Fiberfill II Coat

The North Face Brown Label Fiberfill II Coat

Vintage The North Face Brown Label Fiberfill II Coat.  Virtually the same pattern as their iconic down coats with a Fiberfill insulation. Not nearly as poofy,  but equally as warm. The beauty of Fiberfill over down is there’s no feathers to come spewing out!

This coat features:

  • top and side entry front pockets
  • snap closure storm flap
  • YKK two-way zipper
  • bottom hem draw cord with original cord lock
  • optional snap closure at wrist
  • reinforced stitching at stress points.

This coat has the smaller non-embossed snaps, which I believe predate the embossed. Estimated mid to late 70s production.

Hi-Gear 60/40 Parka.

labelVintage Hi-Gear 60/40 Parka

Japan made Hi-Gear Parka. The outer shell, technically 65/35 blend is fully lined  with a 100% nylon interior.  A Burgundy western-cut yoke extends up in to a three-piece hood, while also forming the top flap for two snap close breast pockets. The Burgundy snap fronts and stitching are continued throughout the piece for a nice contrast. Top and side entry front hip pockets. Arm pit grommets for ventilation Cotton hood and waist draw cords along with snap closure cuffs help keep the weather out.

Big E Levi’s 501 Selvedge Jeans

Levi's Big E Selvedge Denim 501

Levi’s Big E sevledge 501s, no patch. Double sided LEVI’S red tag. Single stitched back and coin pocket. No markings on button backs.  Riveted rear pockets.

These old jeans have a great look to them, but are showing signs of their age. Moderate to heavy wear in the crotch, both front pockets have large holes, about a 3 inch tear in the left knee, lower stitching of the left rear pocket is coming undone (see additional photos link).  White staining down the front and back of left leg. Inside rivets have rusted and bled on to pocket lining. Middle three button-fly holes are still intact but are pretty loose when buttoned up.

Banana Equipment Anorak Parka

Vintage Banana Equipment Anorak Parka

Banana Equipment was a label born in Estes Park Colorado, at the foot of Rocky Mountain National park in the 1970s. Like the other Colorado companies of that era, they created quality goods for the serious outdoors men and were early to incorporate advancements in materials such as Gore-Tex.

This Anorak parka was produced later on in the company’s life time. As suggested by the color combination and logo, this piece was probably produced in the mid 80s. An earlier label would have included ‘Estes Park USA’ under the Gorilla.

Rather simple by design, this parka consists of a single layer poly/nylon fabric lower and double layers around the yoke. A nylon draw cord at the bottom is used rather than the more popular waist placement of that era. The front of the yoke reveals a small kangaroo pocket when unbuttoned.

Production runs of Banana Equipment products were small and these pieces are harder to come by than similar era outdoor equipment manufacturers.

WESCO Motorcycle/Work Boots

Vintage WESCO Boss Engingeer Boots

Unique boots in the fact that they zip the length of the shaft on the outside. The lower part of the boot is essentially the same as the Boss engineer boot, showing the same construction and ankle strap, above that is a 10.5 inch, heavy gauge gold TALON Zipper. WESCO does make custom boots, It’s very likely this pair was a special order. WESCO West Coast Shoe Co. embossed on the fronts. Stacked leather heels with Vibram soles