Estimated 1950s, Levi's Leather Trucker Jacket.
A truly exceptional acquisition.
Levi's originates from a general store and fabric merchant established in San Francisco in 1853 by Levi Strauss, the house that introduced jeans to the world.
During the height of gold mining, Levi's listened to the needs of workers laboring in the mines, and commercialized work trousers crafted from canvas fabric used for tents and sails. This marked the genesis of what would become jeans.
Manufacturing what is now recognized as denim jeans began in the 1870s. The first jeans featured copper rivets at stress points on the "Waist Overall," and a patent was secured in 1873.
By the twentieth century, Levi's jeans had gained prominence both domestically and abroad in America. Particularly through the influence of 1950s Hollywood cinema, they became emblematic of youth culture.
Jeans transcended their origins as workwear, establishing themselves as a fashion statement, and Levi's continues to maintain its position as the pioneer of denim jeans to this day.
What we present here is a leather iteration of the so-called "3rd" type, produced as part of Levi's Western wear line.
Flap pockets positioned on both chest panels, stitchwork evoking a V-notch cut on the front body, and snap button adjusters at the hem—these details are nearly identical to the popular "557 (3rd)" model in denim.
The principal distinction lies in the snap button configuration throughout.
Even examples constructed in suede leather are rare; those fashioned from smooth leather are scarce enough to be considered virtually mythical.
Among the numerous items bearing the Short Horn tag, this piece ranks among the most uncommon.
The left flap pocket retains a white tab reading the "uneven V Big E,"
a detail often missing on surviving examples, making its presence here noteworthy.
The interior of the collar bears what is believed to be the so-called "Short Horn" tag, introduced in the 1950s.
It is considered the successor to the "Long Horn" tag found on 1940s examples.
Leather jackets of advanced age typically exhibit considerable color variation and fading. This piece, however, retains its color depth—a rare example.
Simplicity is essential. A jacket of this character is invariably valuable in any wardrobe, lending immediate presence when worn casually.
A singular piece—the 557 (3rd) silhouette rendered in leather.
Combined with the patina of vintage leather, it carries an unmistakable presence, an experience unique to this specific garment.
Beyond its scarcity, it remains remarkably compelling as a fashion piece. We encourage its unreserved wear.
While a size tag is not visible, the proportions suggest equivalence to Japanese size M.
The actual measurements indicate a golden size well-suited to Japanese proportions, accommodating a range of builds.
Evidence of use is apparent—marks, creasing, separation, minor holes, repair marks, and missing tags—though no significant damage impedes wear.
Levi's stands as an indispensable cornerstone in any discussion of vintage.
Among its output, pieces bearing the Short Horn tag are uncommon in the marketplace, regardless of condition.
Suitable both as a wardrobe essential and a collection piece.
Such rarities pass through our shop infrequently. Should this interest you, we suggest not overlooking this opportunity.
