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.
This Buddy Lee Doll is of the composition variety and measures 13″ head to toe. There are no Buddy Lee markings on the doll body. Clothes bear an early Lee Union Made Label. The overalls, shirt and hat were essentially miniature replicas of actual Lee products as Buddy Lee was in fact a salesman’s sample as well as a promotional tool.
Unfortunately with this doll the paint is rough, almost porous on the body. The arms however are much smoother. Appear to be of a different material than the composition body. Left leg appears to have been repaired. Painted boots are a little chipped up. Right thumb and pinky appear to have been chipped.
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.
Levi’s Big E sevledge 501s, no patch. Double sided LEVI’S red tag. Single stitched back pocket, double coin. Top button marked with an 8.
Not exactly sure the year of manufacture on these jeans, but the lack of rivets on the back pocket and double stitched coin pocket suggests these came towards the end of the big E run. These jeans also have a pretty high-rise from the crotch to top of the jean.
These jeans have that great look only obtained with age. Major holes on the right leg with the knee hole spanning almost seam to seam. Left leg is worn heavily from the bottom of the pocket to the knee. Great denim patches of varying sizes on each leg. Another small hole on the back of left leg an upper right side hip. Crotch wear is not too bad, though there is a small hole. Stitching is complete still. Great whiskering around the crotch. Some stains and some dirt that would probably clean off.
Actual measurements:
Inseam 29″
Waist 35.5″
Rise from crotch to top of waist 11.75″ front 15″ back
Top of waist to leg hem 38.25″
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
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