Levis Big E Resources

[maxvintage]

Anyone know of any good resources for old Levis?

I got my first pair of Big "E" jeans (unfortunately they don't fit), and I'm looking to learn more about the differences and details of old Levis. The numbers on the buttons, selvedge, etc.

Thanks!

[jimmyj]

We wrote an entry level one a few years ago:

http://www.defunkd.com/blog/2008/06/16/ ... vis-jeans/

but this one is a lot better...spot a fakes section etc.

levisguide.com/bige/bige.html

[maxvintage]

Thanks for the reply Jimmy. I saw that levisguide site, just didn't know if it was legit or not as it looks pretty rudimentary.

I'm a bit surprised there's not a vintage Levis community out there given the popularity of Big E's.

[Johnny65]

Hey Max -

The levisguide.com site is a bit rudimentary but the info is solid.

Also try http://supertalk.superfuture.com/index.php?/forum/22-superdenim/ for info on every kind of denim you can imagine, new and old.

[maxvintage]

Thanks Johnny, I'll give that superdenim site a good look. I'm a bit worried that the pair I bought are fakes due to the buttons.

[Johnny65]

Hey Max -

Keep in mind there are countless inconsistencies with vintage Levis in terms of the details like button numbers, rivets, etc. So much so that even the Levi gurus sometimes have a hard time knowing for sure what year a certain pair came from.

Post some pics if you've got 'em. I'd be interested to see what has you thinking they're "fakes".

[maxvintage]

Post some pics if you've got 'em. I'd be interested to see what has you thinking they're "fakes". :ugeek:

I'm thinking they may be fakes because of the 555 on the back of the buttons. I guess they usually have single numbers or letters on the back?

They are 517's which I guess some collectors don't even consider to be "true" vintage since they were made later. In any event, the denim feels good, but I'm such a novice at jeans.

I'm crossing my fingers & look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Here's some pics:

[Johnny65]

Hey Max -

These are red tab, Big E, non-selvedge, 517-0217 boot cut.

The 555 stamped on the back of the top button would indicate a later production run probably sometime in the 80's.

A nice jean but not in high demand.

What you want to look for are the vintage 501 Redlines.

Here's an example of the kind of deadstock 501 redlines that bring in the big bucks http://bluegoldblues.com/post/3784994047/1969-73-deadstock-big-e-levis-501

[maxvintage]

At least they aren't fakes. I actually bought them to wear and only thought of selling them after realizing they didn't fit.

I paid $75, hope that wasn't too much. If it was oh well, live and learn the hard way I suppose.

Thanks for all the insight Johnny, I always enjoy hearing your thoughts on things.

[maxvintage]

Hey Johnny, what other vintage blogs do you read?

I checked out blue gold blues and ended up spending hours on it and other similar jeans sites. From there I found rivetheads and learned all about that vintage convention, Inspiration.

So so cool.....just wanted to see if you knew of any other cool sites dedicated to vintage?