Original Deadstock Lee Jeans Rider Jacket
One of my last vintage treasures is this rare deadstock Lee Jeans Riders kids jacket. The jacket is new and unworn, so deadstock, and produced in the late 1940s/early 1950s. This jacket was found behind store shelves from an old denim store, named Ries Strauss Men’s Clothing, which was closed in the beginning of the ’70’s. The store was located in a small town called Danville, Illinois – USA (around 120 miles (190 km) south of Chicago).
The Introduction Of The Rider Jacket
Lee Jeans introduced the Rider jacket in 1948 as the first more shorter tailored Western style jacket. The jacket was introduced to focus on the than popular Western and cowboy lifestyle. This jacket style was also very popular amongst farmers and other labors.
The Details Of The Jacket
My Lee Jeans Rider jacket is probably from the late 1940’s, so shortly introduced after World War 2. This period was very crucial for the denim industry as a lot of soldiers left their denim items all over the world. This was the start from a new denim era, also known as the ‘Golden Period‘.
The jacket features the red/golden necklabel with Union Made – Sanforized written on it. Under the label there’s the sizing label, boys 4. Also, one of the breast pockets has the Amalgamated Garment Workers of America tag. One of the most cool things about the jacket is that the original pricetag is still on it, $2.98. The jacket is made with right hand denim fabric. It has some dust on the right side of the jacket from laying for so many years in the store. I was very happy that I could get my hands on this special item. It’s very rare to find deadstock unused items these days. Great addition to my personal jacket collection.
