Since making their appearance on the international stage in the1940s – During World War II – jeans have gained a certain popularity and notoriety associated with Western movies and stars like John Wayne and Gary Cooper; and the later disaffected youths played by the likes of Marlon Brando and James Dean in the 50s. Today jeans remain a firm fashion favourite as well as wardrobe staples.
The now ubiquitous Levi’s jean -or jeans - were developed by Levi’s in 1873, and have undergone a series of transformations in their design which makes it possible for collectors to date their jeans pretty accurately.
These vintage ‘Big E’ Levi’s 501’s, date from between the late 1950s - as the distinctive red tab has ‘Levi’s’ stitched on both sides and the leather patch has been replaced by a Two Horse patch made of heavy-duty card stock (although this is missing) - to about the mid 1960s, when the back pocket rivets – still in place on this pair, but covered – are removed entirely.
Note Due to the vintage nature of this piece, there are signs wear.