Levi's 501XX 1960s Big E, E-Stamp Button, Paper Patch Remnant, Faded Indigo, Approx. W27
Levi's 501XX 1960s Big E, E-Stamp Button, Paper Patch Remnant, Faded Indigo, Approx. W27
- Dispatch
- Prepared and sent from Tokyo within 7–14 days, often sooner, or as arranged
- Arrival
- United States · usually 4–7 days after dispatch, insured and tracked
- Import
Duties and customs · View the estimate
A guide for this piece: about $179, 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.
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- Sizing
- Measured flat by hand, waist, rise and inseam, in centimetres · Find your size · Ask before you buy
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A 1960s Levi's 501XX with the capital-E tab and an E-stamped top button, a bright, evenly faded pair with the remnant of its paper patch still sewn at the waistband.
The Piece
The paper-patch 501XX of the late 1950s and 1960s is where many collectors begin and where many stay: the denim of the period fades to a vivid, high-contrast blue that later fabrics never quite match. Pairs that still carry the XX on the patch were made before Levi's dropped the designation around 1966.
This one has the Big E red tab, an E stamp on the reverse of the top button, stitched arcuates on the back pockets and a fragment of the original paper patch, enough to show where it once read 501XX. The button fly, yellow-orange stitching and cotton pocket bags are original.
The fade is the highlight: clean vertical streaking down both legs, light whiskers and a pale, worn seat. There is honest damage too, with a tear at the back of the upper thigh beside the rise, frayed hems and a torn back-pocket corner.
It is tagged 30 but now measures about W27 after decades of washing, with a 69 cm inseam.
Details
- Designer: Levi Strauss & Co.
- Season: 1960s, Big E era
- Model / ref: 501XX paper patch, E top-button stamp
- Material: Cotton denim
- Colour: Indigo, worn to a natural fade
- Made in: USA
- Tagged size: Tagged 30, measures approx. W27
- Measurements: Waist 66 cm (33 cm flat) · Hip 92 cm (46 cm flat) · Rise 26.5 cm · Inseam 69 cm
- Included: Jeans only
Condition
- Vintage with honest wear and some damage, priced accordingly.
- Tear at the back of the upper thigh beside the rise.
- Torn back-pocket corner; frayed hems.
- Paper patch largely missing, a fragment remains.
- Small marks and general fading consistent with age.
Condition grade B 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
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Collectors also search: Levi's 501XX Big E · vintage Levi's 501XX 1960s · Levi's paper patch 501XX · Big E 501 W27 · 60s Levi's jeans · Levi's XX denim · vintage 501 E button · Levi's 501XX faded
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