{"product_id":"wrangler-111mj-denim-jacket-early-1950s-first-type-blue-bell-sanforized-label-chain-stitch-89264","title":"Wrangler 111MJ Denim Jacket, Early 1950s First Type, Blue Bell Sanforized Label, Chain-Stitched Name, Size 36","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"jp-product\" data-world=\"Japan Luxury Archive\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"jp-lede\"\u003eAn early Wrangler 111MJ denim jacket with the Blue Bell Wrangler 36 Sanforized label, faded to a pale sky blue, with a hand-embroidered name in looping script across the back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlue Bell, Rodeo Ben and the 11MJ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue Bell Overall Company of Greensboro, North Carolina, introduced Wrangler in 1947. It recruited Rodeo Ben, the Philadelphia tailor who dressed rodeo stars, to design jeans and jackets that would stand up to the saddle. The first jacket, the 11MJ, was followed by the 111MJ, and both became staples of rodeo riders across America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollectors date early Wranglers by their Blue Bell labels, used until the early 1960s, by the Sanforized mark and by construction details. First-type 111MJ jackets in wearable condition are now firmly in the top tier of vintage denim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Piece\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 111MJ is the jacket that established Wrangler as Levi's great rival. Blue Bell launched the Wrangler line in 1947 with designs by the Western tailor Rodeo Ben, aimed squarely at working cowboys, and the 111MJ followed as the definitive denim jacket of the range. Early examples, identified as first type by Japanese collectors, are among the most sought-after Western denim jackets of the 1950s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis one carries the woven Blue Bell Wrangler label with the size 36 and the word Sanforized. The front has the familiar Wrangler architecture: two chest pockets with pointed flaps and snap-button closures, pleated front panels and metal buttons, with adjustable button tabs at the back waist. The denim has faded to a light, even blue with deeper indigo held in the seams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe jacket has been lived in and personalised. A name, which appears to read Fritz, is hand-stitched in white chain-like script across the back, and further hand stitching appears on the inside front panel, along with an elastic strap added inside. These are the kind of marks that tell a jacket's story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize 36: shoulder 44.5 cm, chest 48 cm, sleeve 60 cm, length 57 cm, a modern small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"jp-details\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesigner:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wrangler (Blue Bell Overall Co.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeason:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early 1950s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel \/ ref:\u003c\/strong\u003e 111MJ, first type\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cotton denim, Sanforized\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Faded light indigo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in:\u003c\/strong\u003e USA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTagged size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 36\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shoulder 44.5 cm · Chest (pit to pit) 48 cm · Sleeve 60 cm · Length 57 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jacket only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGeneral fading, soiling and small rust-coloured marks consistent with age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFraying at the collar, cuffs and hem.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHand-stitched name on the back and hand stitching inside; an elastic strap has been added inside.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue Bell label intact and legible; all buttons present.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition grade \u003cstrong\u003eB\u003c\/strong\u003e on the Japanese scale; see \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/blogs\/news\/japanese-condition-ranks-explained\"\u003eJapanese condition ranks, explained\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAuthenticity \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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, cold and inside out, and dry flat in the shade; vintage denim is best aired rather than laundered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDelivery from Japan\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePacked 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 \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/policies\/refund-policy\"\u003epublished policy\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"jp-closing\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsidered offers are welcome through Send an Offer, and each one is reviewed personally. Pieces over $1,000 may be reserved over several payments with \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/pages\/japonista-layaway-privilege-program\"\u003eLayaway Privilege™\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContinue browsing: \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/collections\/collections-luxury-archive-designer-treasures\"\u003eJapan Luxury Archive\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"jp-cta\" data-world=\"Japan Luxury Archive\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"jp-cta-eyebrow\"\u003eRodeo Classics, Located\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking for a vintage Wrangler 11MJ or 111MJ in another size? Our Hunting Salon can search Japan for it. Our Hunting Salon™ locates a specific reference across Japan’s private collector circles, then inspects, documents and delivers it to you. \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/pages\/hunting-salon%E2%84%A2\"\u003eBegin a Hunting Salon™ request →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"jp-search\"\u003eCollectors also search: Wrangler 111MJ · Wrangler 111MJ 1st · vintage Wrangler denim jacket 1950s · Blue Bell Wrangler jacket · Wrangler 11MJ · vintage Wrangler jacket size 36 · 1950s Western denim jacket · Wrangler Sanforized jacket\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Wrangler","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54060458246437,"sku":"JP-DP-c1226389264","price":2290.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0758\/8829\/6229\/files\/japonista-wrangler-111mj-denim-jacket-early-1950s-first-type-89264-01.jpg?v=1791970489","url":"https:\/\/japonista.com\/fr\/products\/wrangler-111mj-denim-jacket-early-1950s-first-type-blue-bell-sanforized-label-chain-stitch-89264","provider":"Japonista","version":"1.0","type":"link"}