Levi's S501XX WWII 1940s Wartime Model Jeans, Attributed, Faded Indigo, Approx. W29
Levi's S501XX WWII 1940s Wartime Model Jeans, Attributed, Faded Indigo, Approx. W29
- Dispatch
- Prepared and sent from Tokyo within 7–14 days, often sooner, or as arranged
- Arrival
- États-Unis · usually 4–7 days after dispatch, insured and tracked
- Import
Duties and customs · View the estimate
A guide for this piece: about $949, based on the 10% US charge on the declared value of goods made in Japan.
The final figure is set by US Customs and depends on where the piece was made and the kind of object it is. Many antiques over a century old carry no ordinary duty; most jewellery and leather goods add a single-digit rate.
With EMS, any charge is collected by your postal service on delivery. For pieces of significant value we can often arrange duties prepaid before dispatch.
How the estimate is reached · Ask for a figure on this piece
- Sizing
- Measured flat by hand, waist, rise and inseam, in centimetres · Find your size · Ask before you buy
- Replies
- Within one Tokyo business day · Ask the curator team
- Guarantee
- Authenticity guaranteed · How we grade
Impossible de charger la disponibilité du service de retrait
All sales are final. Please read our refund policy before purchase.
Considered offers only. The Desk replies personally to figures made in good faith; those set far below the asking price receive no reply.
Examined in Tokyo, one price, insured to your door. How buying from Japonista works · Join the Circle, free
A Levi's 501XX attributed to the wartime S501XX production of the 1940s, the simplified, rationed jean that is one of the true summits of vintage denim collecting, honestly worn and repaired.
The Piece
During the Second World War the United States War Production Board restricted the materials clothing makers could use, and Levi's stripped the 501XX to essentials. The wartime S501XX lost its watch-pocket rivets in some runs, took generic or simplified fly buttons and had its back-pocket arcuates painted on rather than stitched. Surviving pairs are rare, and genuine examples are among the most valuable jeans in existence.
This pair is attributed to that wartime run. The back pockets show no stitched arcuate, consistent with painted arcuates that have worn away, the fly is button-closed and the pocket bags are plain cotton twill, one of them hand-numbered 480. The red tab is single-sided, and the denim has the coarse, uneven slub and smoky cast associated with 1940s fabric.
It has been worn for years. There is a tear across one knee, repaired areas near the fly and inside the front, a torn coin-pocket edge and frayed damage on a back pocket. The fade is deep and dirty in the best sense, with strong whiskers and a darkened, oil-stained surface.
It measures about W29 with a 70 cm inseam and a straight, generous leg. Attribution is based on the visible construction; we recommend viewing every detail photograph before purchase.
Details
- Designer: Levi Strauss & Co.
- Season: Attributed to 1942 to 1946, WWII era
- Model / ref: S501XX wartime model (attributed)
- Material: Cotton denim
- Colour: Indigo, worn to a natural fade
- Made in: USA
- Tagged size: No size label, approx. W29
- Measurements: Waist 75 cm (37.5 cm flat) · Hip 94 cm (47 cm flat) · Rise 29 cm · Inseam 70 cm
- Included: Jeans only
Condition
- Vintage with genuine wear and old repairs, priced accordingly.
- Tear across one knee; repaired areas near the fly and inside the front.
- Torn coin-pocket edge; frayed damage on a back pocket.
- Heavy soiling and staining throughout, consistent with age.
- No waistband patch visible.
Condition grade BC on the Japanese scale; see Japanese condition ranks, explained.
Authenticity & Care
The labels, materials, stitching, hardware and construction are examined together and documented in Japan before dispatch; anything that cannot be confirmed is stated plainly in the description. Every piece carries the Japonista authenticity guarantee. Wash rarely, by hand in cold water, and hang to dry; vintage denim and old repairs reward gentle handling.
Delivery from Japan
Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Every sale is final; please ask anything before you buy, and see our published policy.
Every figure above is taken by hand with the pair laid flat, in centimetres. Measure jeans or trousers that already fit you the same way and allow a centimetre or two of margin, the quiet safeguard on a final sale. Our jeans and trousers size guide reads waist and inseam in inches and centimetres, and for anything it leaves open the curator team replies within one Tokyo business day.
Considered offers are welcome through Send an Offer, and each one is reviewed personally. Pieces over $1,000 may be reserved over several payments with Layaway Privilege™.
Continue browsing: Japan Luxury Archive · Levi’s
Grail Pieces Hunted Privately
If you are searching for a particular wartime or 1940s piece, we can quietly search Japan's private collections for it. Our Hunting Salon™ locates a specific reference across Japan’s private collector circles, then inspects, documents and delivers it to you. Begin a Hunting Salon™ request →
Collectors also search: Levi's S501XX · WWII Levi's jeans · Levi's 1944 501XX · wartime Levi's 501 · Levi's 大戦モデル · 1940s Levi's jeans · vintage S501XX W29 · Levi's painted arcuate
Chosen for you