Most people are willing to pay up for a good pair of jeans, but for some denim-obsessed collectors, the commitment to a rare vintage pant goes a step further.
That was the case for 23-year-old Kyle Haupert and Zip Stevenson, long-time players in the vintage market, who recently purchased a pair of 19th-century Levi's jeans found in an abandoned mine shaft by a "denim archeologist," The Wall Street Journal reported. The price? $87,400.
Related: Levi Strauss Is a Good Fit Despite Headwinds
It's one of the highest prices ever paid for a pair of jeans — and included a 15% buyer's premium. Haupert paid 90%; Stevenson, who has run the Los Angeles shop Denim Doctors since 1994, supplied the remaining 10%.
The jeans were discovered about five years ago in the American West by Michael Harris, who searched "at least 50 abandoned mines" without finding a comparable pair, Stevenson told CNN.
Vintage denim expert Brit Eaton purchased the jeans from Harris for $23,000 five years ago, per WSJ.
Inside the pair, "The only kind made by white labor" is printed — a slogan used following 1882's Chinese Exclusion Act, according to a Levi's spokesperson. Levi's ended that policy and got rid of the slogan in the 1890s, which confirms the jeans' 19th-century status.
"I've been doing this business for a quarter of a century and the average vintage jeans are worth about $100," Eaton told CNN. "So to find a pair this valuable is once in a lifetime."
Related: Hitting a Nostalgic Home Run With Vintage Baseball Uniforms
Also once in a lifetime? The fact that these jeans are intact enough to be worn "to Starbucks" — most others in existence are far too delicate.
Despite their apparent durability, Haupert and Stevenson hope the pants will be purchased by a museum for display.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of vintage denim and historical fashion, my extensive knowledge of the subject matter positions me to shed light on the recent acquisition of a pair of 19th-century Levi's jeans by collectors Kyle Haupert and Zip Stevenson. The profound significance of this purchase, totaling an impressive $87,400, reflects not only a commitment to the appreciation of vintage fashion but also a deep understanding of the historical context surrounding these rare artifacts.
The story begins with the discovery of the jeans in an abandoned mine shaft by Michael Harris, a recognized "denim archaeologist" who has spent years exploring numerous abandoned mines in the American West. The fact that Harris meticulously searched through approximately 50 abandoned mines underscores the rarity of finding such a well-preserved pair of 19th-century Levi's jeans.
Brit Eaton, a renowned vintage denim expert, played a pivotal role in the transaction by acquiring the jeans from Harris for $23,000 five years ago. This transaction is a testament to the established network and expertise within the vintage market. Eaton's valuation of the jeans as a once-in-a-lifetime find attests to the rarity and exceptional historical significance of the discovery.
Within the jeans, a notable detail confirms their 19th-century origin – the presence of the slogan "The only kind made by white labor." This slogan, introduced after the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, was later discontinued by Levi's in the 1890s. This detail not only adds to the provenance of the jeans but also highlights the historical and cultural context of the time.
It's essential to recognize the remarkable condition of the jeans, allowing them to be wearable "to Starbucks." This durability is a notable exception, as most vintage jeans from this era are too delicate for regular use. The fact that Haupert and Stevenson hope the pants will find a home in a museum for public display underlines their understanding of the jeans' value beyond personal ownership.
In conclusion, the acquisition of these 19th-century Levi's jeans is a remarkable feat in the world of vintage fashion. The historical context, rarity, and condition of the jeans elevate them to a status that transcends the typical valuation of vintage denim. This story serves as a testament to the passion, expertise, and dedication of individuals like Haupert, Stevenson, Harris, and Eaton, who contribute significantly to preserving and celebrating the rich history embedded in our clothing.
