Rare Transition Model with double Lot number label 

Mens vintage BIG E LEVI 502 - 0117  (501Z XX) Selvege Jeans labelled W36 L34 New withouth Tags, unworn. THESE ARE NOT LEVIS VINTAGE CLOTHING, they are a Original Vintage item.

What makes these jeans particulaly rare is: 

• They are a transition model.
• That they contain both the numbers 502-0117 and 501zxx on the label. This was only made during the transition period of from 501Z xx to 502-0117 which occured around 1964. 
• Almost all other 502-0117's currently listed will be 1966-1968 and not contain this label detail.
• Additionally, most conventioanal 502-0117s will have either SCOVILL, TALON 42, or LIGHTNING zippers, the pair for sale here has Gripper Zipper, as found on the 501 zxx. (of course there are exceptions!)
• Selvedge watch pocket indicates that they are pre 66 as referenced in the book Japanese book 501XX.

Other Features of these Vintage jeans as typical for vintage 502-0117:

• 0117 indicates this is the XX unsanforized denim
• Jeans Feature Big E (capital E)  (so Pre 71)
• No Care Label (pre 71)
• Red Tab
• V stitch behind top button (so pre 69)
• Selvage edges
• Bar Tacks instead of hidden rivets
• Size printed on pockets

History:

The 501z xx introduced the zipper to the regular Levis 501 XX model in the 50's. To differentiate between the models, this was then renamed to the 502 0117, commonly understood to have happened around 1966/67. 

Research suggests that the reason for the double Lot number was to remove confusion from buyers.

Owned by former Levi’s Strauss UK employee as part of his special personal collection which included many rare one-off, sample and not-for-resale items. (Please see other listings)

Measurements included in pictures

Fantastic condition for a vintage item

Please get in touch if you have any more questions, have spotted an error or require more pictures.

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