The dead stock Levi's 502 that was sold with the one wash for the Japanese market. The engraving on the back of the button is "16", which is said to be made of an older fabric than the others. Compared to the 502, which is also listed as a 16-button dead stock, there are some minor differences in detail.
It comes with a flasher and a guarantee ticket with a sticker in Japanese for the Japanese market.
Slightly tapered towards the hem, just like the other BIG E's 501.
paper patch
The part number "502-0117" is stamped in small letters. The other 16-button 502 did not have the "Made in U.S.A." notation, but it did.
flasher
The printed "SHRINK-TO-FIT" is covered by a sticker. The seal reads, "PRE-SHRUNK This product has been tested and washed in the best possible conditions. Please choose a size that fits you. It is written. The copyright notice at the bottom is "○C1966".
guarantee ticket
It has a sticker that says "Made in the USA" on it. The guaranty ticket is attached to the flasher with a stapler. The top notation is "FOR OVER 110 YEARS" which is hidden by the flasher.
back pocket
The arcuate stitching is uneven on the left and right as in other BIG E's such as 501.
red tab
Unequal "V" double-sided tabs.
bar tack
The top of the back pocket has a black cannula clasp.
top button
The reaction of the magnet suggests that it is made of galvanized iron. Parallel stitching next to the top button, as seen on the late BIG E's.
zipper
SCOVILL's double-pronged zippers are used.
top button (back)
The engraving on the back of the button is "16". The stitching on the waist belt is a chain stitch.
rivet
Copper-plated iron rivets.
rivet (back)
The back of the rivet is made of aluminum.
coin pocket
The fabric of the pockets is used horizontally and the masks are used vertically, which is the opposite of the other 16-button 502. It is often seen in 505 of preshrunk, but I think that it is relatively few in 501 series.
coin pocket (back)
It is not often seen on the BIG E. It has a single stitching like the other 16-button 502, and the selvedge is used.
outseam, selvedge
The color of the red lines remains relatively distinct. The hem is naturally a chain stitch, and the dislocation of the seam by the peculiarity of the Union Special is strongly coming out.
outseam
The outseam stitching is a single stitch and can be identified as a BIG E when compared to the 66 model.
fabric
The fabric has a slubby feel, deep blue color, and still has a strong vintage feel to it. On the other hand, neps are rarely seen.
| size | waist |
seat | front rise | back rise | thigh | inseam | opening | total length |
| W27/L34 | 26.5 | 38.5 | 10 | 13.5 | 10 | 30 | 7.5 | 39 |