It is also called "66 chain" because the back pocket is stitched with a chain stitch, while the back pocket of the earlier model is stitched with a single stitch. It is often said that the color fade of the late 66 and red-eared models is the same as that of the late 66 and red-eared models, but this one up to 1978 has a slight vertical fade and is different from the red-eared models.
Here is one that has already been washed once, although it comes with a flasher and a guaranty ticket. From the sticker marks on the guaranty ticket, it seems that it may have been washed and sold for Japan.
Although the flasher and guaranty ticket were included, the paper patch has been removed.
The silhouette appears to be the same as in the early 66single.
flasher
In fact, it has been removed from the body of the jeans. The copyright notation of C1966 is included, so it is the same as BIG E, 66single, redline.
guarantee ticket
Guarantee ticket for "FOR OVER 125 YEARS". There is a mark where a sticker was attached to the left of the center.
There was also a sticker on the guarantee ticket for the LEVI'S 805, which may have been made for Japan, so I'm guessing that this 501 may have been one-washed for Japan.
inner tag
The 66 chain model shares the same specifications with the red-selvedge model because the stitching on the back of the back pockets is chain-stitched, but if the shrinkage rate on the inside tag is 8%, it is considered to be a late 66 model (the red-selvedge model is 10%). It is not certain if the actual shrinkage rate is different, and since this figure only indicates the maximum shrinkage rate, it may be that the figure was simply rounded off with the transition to the red-selvedge model.
inner tag
The number "2 8 6" under the model number "501" indicates that it was made at the factory in February 6, 1978.
back pocket
A slightly longer back pocket as in the early '66. The angle of the arcuate stitch is quite shallow.
back pocket (back)
A feature of the 66chain model is the chain stitching on the back pocket back, which distinguishes it from the 66single model.
red tab
In the small e double-sided embroidery tab, the "V" is an uneven "V".
bar tack
The black bar tack
top button
It is made of plated iron and is slightly inflated throughout. There are potholes between the characters. Next to the top button, parallel stitching.
front button
There are three buttons, excluding the top button.
fly button
A button with a pitter-patter between the letters. It is not a foot long R.
top button (back)
It's stamped "6".
rivet
Copper-plated iron rivets.
rivet (back)
Aluminum rivet backing.
coin pocket
The fabric of both the coin pocket and the other cloth is used horizontally. The back is chain stitched.
outseam, selvedge
It's a redline, but the red has already faded. The hem is an orange chain stitch on both the top and bottom thread.
outseam
It is sewn with chain stitch.
fabric
It is a little fluffy because of one wash. The color is also indigo with a slight grayish tinge, and you can see the influence of the sulfide underdyeing. You can't feel much of a slab feeling when you touch it.
| size | waist |
seat | front rise | back rise | thigh | inseam | opening | total length |
| W27/L34 | 26 | 37 | 10 | 13 | 10 | 30.5 | 7 | 40 |