If you think these prices seem crazy, keep in mind that people buy what they like, and worldwide people covet articles closely associated with America and her cowboys. Toward getting lucky at your next church bazaar, here's a brief chronology on the subject helpful in dating old jeans.

1873: Featuring three pockets, no belt loops-only suspender buttons and a waist-cinching buckle on the back, dark blue stiff loose-fitting riveted denim "waist overalls" are introduced in California selling for 22 cents each.

1886: To the rear of the "501" waistband Strauss adds a leather (or oilcloth) rear patch featuring a company publicity stunt of "two hitched horses" unable to pull his waist overalls apart.

1890: A small forth pocket above the front pocket is added to accommodate coins and pocket watches.

1902: Levis Strauss dies, leaving business to nephews.

1905: A fifth "wallet" pocket is added.

1906: Earthquake and fire destroys Levis Strauss headquarters and manufacturing centers. A new factory is quickly constructed.

1913: Kansas entrepreneur, H.D. Lee (Founder of Lee Jeans) introduces a one-piece work-wear garment called the Union-All.

1922: Belt loops added, eventually replacing suspender buttons.

1924: 13 ounce denim Lee Rider jeans are introduced. Levi's were 10 oz. at time

1926: The zipper is introduced to blue jeans by Lee.

1936: Red LEVI'S tab added to back pocket.

1930's: Blue Bell Globe (ancestor of Wrangler) emerges from depression as major blue jeans manufacturer. Singing cowboys glamorize denim image.

1940's: War rationing reduces production. Heat conducting crotch rivets are removed after Levi CEO Walter Haas suffers embarrassing campfire burn. Exposed rear pocket rivets are covered with fabric layer after numerous complaints from cowboys of scared saddles and teachers from scratched school chairs.

1950's: Stars like James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Marlon Brando endorse jeans image.

Mid-60's: Bell bottoms introduced.

1971: Levis replaces capital "E" with little "e" on their red tab.

70's & 80's: Blue jeans black-market and collecting markets emerge worldwide, especially strong in Japan.

1990's: Huge oversized jeans rise and fall in fashion. New industry leaders emerge.

by AntiqueTalk.com
Copyright by Wayne Mattox ©
Reprinted with permission