Levis Big-E Third Edition Jacket (557xx)

I am bit concern about jacket size, so when a good friend of mine found a jacket that fit me well I was overjoyed. My joy was overkilled the following day when he informed that the seller knew me. I knew immediately that the jacket would not come cheap. I was right and bought it for RM500, and it worth all the ringgits. The market value for this jacket is around USD 350.

This is the Levis third edition of Big-E jacket Lot 557xx also known as the trucker jacket. This jacket is debuted in 1962 with capital E for LEVIS printed on its trademark red tab. The label is made from paper material instead of leather. It was slimmer and came pre-shrunk compare to its previous predecessor epitomizing the era of Woodstock and Easy Rider. However it retains the double tones thread with the bigger yellow thread sewn on the thicker part of the jacket.

For full history lesson of Levi Strauss and Company read download the official history document in pdf format from Levis-History.

Specifications:

• Manufacturer : Levis Strauss & Co, Origin : USA, Circa : 1960s
• Lot 557xx (made from 13 oz per yard denim of "xx" Levis' highest quality denim)
• Copper button with with no dots embossed
• Two adjustable waist straps with button
• Big E for LEVIS printed in red tab
• Paper label printed Lot 557xx (size 2"x3")
• Double tones thread

Wrangler Blue Bell Second Edition Jeans (11MWZ)

This is the second edition Wrangler Blue Bell (11MWZ) from early1950s. It uses Gripper Zipper zip, a clear indication that of 1950s era (more info from Vintage Zipper). It is made from 11 oz denim with the pockets lining come with "sail cloth" stamp. The label at the back pocket is made of plastic material-which would not stick to a leather saddle. The label features the straight blue bell logo in comparison, the tilted bell logo started from 1956.

I found it folded nicely in a cabinet behind the counter of a vintage shop owned by a Japanese expatriate. I was shocked when the store helper told me that the jeans was on sell for just RM80. Without any hesitation I paid the amount and put it straight into my back pack and walked out quickly just in case, the owner would return. And I can imagine how pissed he would be knowing that a USD 500 was sold for a mere RM80

Specifications:

• Manufacturer : Wrangler, Origin : USA, Circa : 1950s
• Lot 11MWZ (made from 11 oz per yard denim and MWZ stands for Men Western Zipper)
• Zipper by Gripper Zipper (with pin lock)
• Silver snap button
• Rivets at front and back pockets
• Pocket lining with "sail cloth" stamp
• Offset belt loop at the back
• Plastic label with straight blue bell logo
• Fabric label (inside) with straight blue bell logo

Wrangler Blue Bell First Edition Jacket (11MJ)

This is one very rare and hard to find denim jacket by Wrangler from the Blue Bell series. I bought it for RM400 from another collector who unfortunately only appreciate Levis and have no idea that this jacket is very rare species indeed.

This the first Wrangler jackets, also known as the Wrangler cowboy jacket was originally manufactured in the 1947. The designs include pleats down the front, tucked together by stitched dots, and two buckles on the back.

This version featured vents on the shoulder allowing more freedom of movement with elastic straps built inside (an advatage for cowboy in a rodeo show). Only the 1947 version featured this and the shoulder vents was removed the following years. The label is made from plastic and notice that the is no registered mark (R). The is no bell logo on this particular jacket. Another destintive features for the first edition version.

This is used jacket in mint condition, market value is at USD 1,550. Mine with label intact, it should be close to USD 2,000 and sorry to say this is not for sale.

Specifications:

• Manufacturer : Wrangler, Origin : USA, Circa : 1940s
• Lot 11MJ (made from 11 oz per yard denim and MJ stands for Men Jacket)
• Hand cuff with copper snap button and wrist rivet
• Two buckles at back made by Waterbury Buckle Co.
• Front pocket with copper snap button
• Double pleated with stitched dots
• Selvage on the front pleats
• Single pleated shoulder vent (with elastic strap built inside)
• Plastic label with no registered mark and bell logos