What Are the Numbers On the Back Of Levi's Buttons?

[@cybelefrancoise]

Hey Josh, thanks for going the extra mile with all this amazing info. I have a type three Levi's jean jacket, small e with the number 1 stamped behind every button. In your link provided below, it shows a chart with button stamps starting with the number 2. Any ideas as to the history of "1" ? This jacket is a 70505 2017 with a one sided wash tag coming down from the bottom of the leather tag. The flipside has no writing on it or is washed out. The front side just gives the same numbers as the leather tag with washing instructions and "WPL 423 Made in U.S.A". That's it. Thanks again.

[@LootFam]

My pleasure! Could you send me a couple photos to [e-mail]? It’s sounding like a mid 70s type 3.

[@coreywall5890]

I have a jacket that I’m trying to find information on. From what I can make out, the care label says 70506-0216 755M size 44B 66-5 A WPL 423 made in USA. The buttons say Levi Strauss & co s.f. Cal and the back of the buttons have 233 stamped into them. I have found different jackets with some of the numbers that match mine, but not all of them and I can’t find a factory code for 233 without the M. My uncle gave me the jacket years ago and told me that he wore it when he was younger. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@vancetuber7172]

Just found your channel while trying to date a pair of levis I have, just wanna say thanks for providing such in depth and informative content. It's not easy to find all this information and I really appreciate you compiling it and sharing it with us

[@LootFam]

Hey! Thank you so much for watching! If you ever have any levis questions you can email me or message me in Instagram. Love seeing what people are finding out there!

[@spiderkidz1]

Agree

[@reikiorr8217]

I found what seems to be a 90’s lvc 557 jacket (big e). The patch was worn away but I could see a care tag inside. The only problem is the buttons had no back stamp, does that mean it’s fake? The jacket looked pretty decent and reasonably original otherwise.

[@LootFam]

Interesting. could you send me any photos you have? I can take a look. [e-mail]

[@jracerichards]

Hey Josh I found a trucker Levi's jacket with a factory code 5 on the buttons. According to your info and the listing of codes , it's pre 1980 Made in The USA .Bought it for 5 bucks at a Salvation Army.

[@LootFam]

If you’d like you can send me some photos to [e-mail]! I’ll look it over

[@jracerichards]

@LootFam OK. I found another one but it has 2 pockets in front on the bottom with hand warmers . The buttons have no code on them.

[@EatPlayLoveCO]

I really wish someone would break down the USA factory codes as a stand alone. Such fascinating history.

[@LootFam]

I'm currently working on a large database and trying to confirm factory locations and as many codes as possible. Very tedious... Hopefully someday soon. Thanks for watching!

[@johnstingley5702]

@@LootFam Wow, can't wait for that!!

[@Miguel.Garcia]

@@LootFamany updates on this?

[@LootFam]

@@Miguel.Garciaunfortunately no. Still a dream in my heart. Haha. Be swamped.

[@abandonbrandonn748]

@@LootFamany update 👀

[@mohamadjulianholanda3901]

i just bought my levis stock trucker denim jacket from a levis store and all the buttons does not have a number. is it fake? should I return it to levis?

[@LootFam]

No, they may have change production standards on more recent products. These guide lines are primarily for vintage Levis.

[@mohamadjulianholanda3901]

thanks for replying please upload more hehehehehe@@LootFam

[@cpoul]

The number list you have linked does not have single letters. Any help with just a single letter R on a pair of 501xx made in USA, LEVI'S? Thanks

[@LootFam]

Can you send some photos to [e-mail]? I can take a look

[@cpoul]

@@LootFam Thanks. I found another list that just say's R is a usa factory.

[@LootFam]

Correct! Did you just find the jeans?

[@cpoul]

@@LootFam prob 10 years ago. Packed away til now. Thrift shop find.

[@casondraoatman7216]

I just found a pair of 501s never seen anything like them. They have a J factory code. They have stamping on the inside of the pockets looks like they say 379x?

[@davepereira8659]

I've got a vintage dark jean jacket from I believe pre 1971. No care tag. Its in mint condition, worn maybe twice by my dad. It has 347 stamped on back of buttons. Has the red tag..all capital Letters with "R" on on side only. No warmer pockets. Wondering on where it was made and value

[@loutewl6903]

I'm in the same boat, but my buttons say 526

[@colinbernard3542]

Same here except mine has a small e. But it's definitely no later than 84, cause it's got no hand warmers and single stitching. Minor distress, but other than that beautiful. Oh, forgot to mention no care tag and union made in Canada. If im not mistaken, we have a different number system up here, so I'm not sure.

[@katherinedalton1330]

I came across a pair of orange tabs stamped 565 but also had ykk stamped on button aswell... curious! Thanks for the vid and will check out the link!

[@LootFam]

I have seen that too.While I can’t confirm, I have been told that those were buttons that were purchased from the YKK zipper company when supplies were low of the normal button they would use. Curious indeed.

[@FredsRandomFinds]

Just pulled a Type 3 Jacket from a wholesaler bundle Factory code 529 on the back of one of the pocket buttons. The numbers on the back of the front buttons are faint/worn. The Levi's patch in the neck is breaking up and cracked right through the 70* model number but it appears to be 70506? Would this make it a 70's jacket? Also the red tag on the front doesn't have the word Levi's Just the R Letter. Have heard of this on some jeans but is it common on jackets? Also it is heavily distressed. Worn through in the neck, elbows and cuffs so how do you go about valuing something like that? Thnx.

[@MK_337]

I have a jacket with 822. It seems like its an unknown US factory around 1999-2001. I wish there was more info for 822.

[@LootFam]

Email me some photos if you'd like. lootfam!@gmail.com. I may be able to get a better idea for you. Thanks!

[@joshliu9179]

Hi, I came and saw this question which happens to be mine as well. I did some research and from my understanding (hope anyone who knows better could correct me if I was wrong), this 822 factory is like what you mentioned, an unknown US factory around 1999-2001, and produced just a few models but seems to be only LVC.

[@jacobarendt3727]

Very in depth information, will keep checking our this channel!

[@LootFam]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Mary-wi1pb]

I have a pair of vintage Levi’s with a factory code of 83 on the rivet (there is no care tag). Would love to know where they came from.

[@LootFam]

Could you send me some photos to [e-mail]?

[@jackknothe4550]

i have a type 3 jacket with small e and no side pockets. it is stamped 1 on the back of the buttons ? is this special ?

[@LootFam]

Not specifically because of factory code, but could be for other reasons. If you want you can email me some photos to [e-mail] . Thanks!

[@colinbernard3542]

Is there any reason why no button has numbers? I have what I believe is a union made type 3 trucker from the late 60's or probably no later than 71, because instead of any number, it has slash marks through it? Kind of looks like lines that are broken up like in a rain icon. Everything about it is legit. It IS a real Levi trucker with a small "e", but at the same time has no care tag. Beautiful dark indigo, single stitch, no hand warmers, black bar tacks under the pockets and the sleeve. The smaller patch is totally intact with the digits 2082 75505 0217 size 46. If it was a tad longer it'd fit perfectly. Anyway, have you heard of this kind of thing before? Do you think it's possible that I have a crossover jacket? Also it has spr 200 or something on the corner of the neck patch. I have another jacket that is an orange tab one that doesn't have anything at all on the back of the buttons. It reads 75505-0212 regular/reguliere size 46, but this one has a care tag. Inside the left side of the jacket near the bottom. It's in black with no black batwing. Just a side that tells you the washing and the other with a bunch of numbers. I do remember C71 and f/1. I think?? Also the buttons on this one aren't magnetic but the red tab are. Thoughts?

[@LootFam]

Could you send me pictures? [e-mail] Union made Levi's would be interesting. Also, if it is little e it should't be older than 71 unless there is a unusual exception. Buttons without stamps are not terribly common but they do appear. Most of the time just because of factory oversight, but it's also possible there is another reason like where it was manufactured. European production often had different standards.

[@pierregiorgiani]

Hello! Where was number 527 factory located please ? Thanks in advance !

[@Paul-ns8fr]

532 on back of button 505 regular fit straight leg red label riveted jeans.what year?

[@LootFam]

Most likely 80s or 90s.

[@Paul-ns8fr]

Thanks!!

[@TheJamesvgnr]

My Levi Type lll jacket has the number '52' on the backs of the buttons. Does anyone know the factory/date that this number refers to? I've only seen that particular number mentioned in one list,and it seems to be missing in most other lists!

[@LootFam]

Sounds like a pre 81 jacket. Potentially early 70s. I don’t know which factory but I have seen 52 a number of times.

[@janieraymond7983]

What does the 4093 on the button mean on a pair of 501xx? They are greyish blue color. Are they worth anything?

[@LootFam]

Likely that is was produced in Mexico on another country.

[@thisismaverick1014]

I have a pair of orange tab levis with the care tag under the left pocket, they say made in the usa on the back patch with a 3 digit factory code on the button. So I'm at 1981-1987... but they are 64% cotton 36% polyester and the factory code is 575, which I can't find on the linked website

[@thibautmayans5922]

There was réédition of the orange tab, some are from Italy for the 91-00 period and from Asia past 00'

[@123joebus]

Looking at a Big E type 3 jacket with 524 buttons. Maybe an 80s repo???

[@LootFam]

Could you send me some pictures to [e-mail]? There are couple of possibilities here. Thanks for watching!

[@wendellladiana4441]

..i have a levis 501 jeans that i turned into shorts(my mistake)..they have buttons meant for suspenders..do you have info.about these?..of what typical year they have been made?..in the care tag it only has the Made in USA and the care instructions at the back..it doesnt have any code numbers..

[@LootFam]

Could you shoot me a few photos to [e-mail]? I'm guessing it's more recent but we'll need to double check the photos.

[@pamelayoung3401]

I have a pair of them .with 647 on back of button

[@ottaviafirmani5369]

Hellooo. I have a big E jacket with no care tags, with 521 on the buttons, so, where it was produced?

[@colinbernard3542]

I have two trucker jackets and was wondering if the buttons mean anything if they are magnetic or not? One is small e red tab 75505 0217 and is magnetic, and the other is small e orange tab and is not magnetic. That jacket has a care tag unlike the red tab one and is 75505 0212. Both have no handwarmer pockets and under the 75505 0212 it has from left to right in black with no levi batwing logo 46 20 393. I believe the 46 is the size because that is on the back patch, but not sure what 20 and 393 is? Also it has c71 and what looks like f/5 too.

[@nazeem26]

I'm from South Africa, I have a white Levi's 501 which I bought in the 90s, but I don't see it's number on your list. It has the number 202 on its button. Is it possible for you to tell something about that number?

[@LootFam]

I'm not terribly familiar with that particular number though believe I have seen it on South African made Levi's before. You are welcome to send me an email at [e-mail] and attach some photos and I'll take a look.

[@denimbeardvintage6468]

Just snagged a pair of Big E orange tabs today. No jacron or care tags. And there doesn’t seem to be a factory code on the closure. Any ideas on how to date? Would love to know how to price them.

[@LootFam]

Hmm, could you send me some photos to [e-mail]? I’d love to take a look.

[@LootFam]

Or my Instagram @lootfamvtg

[@denimbeardvintage6468]

@@LootFam Thanks for getting back to me! Just sent you some photos!

[@isanirobi]

I have a pair of J22 (Japan) with an orange tab!

[@Kyle-he8en]

Anybody know which factory in the US is associated with stamp code 2? Got a pair of boot cuts from 1976.

[@ColonelAngus2023]

I have a Levi denim jacket type III 70505 with the number 1 printed on the back of the button. Does this tell me anything?

[@alexanderrojas1446]

Can Levi's buttons register the Wing Hing trademark on the back? Maybe this is an official supplier?

[@johnstingley5702]

I have a list of codes by country, and know which codes were U.S.factories, but I don't know where in the U.S. each factory was. Does anyone have that list?

[@LootFam]

Outside of a couple I haven't been able find that information. Very difficult. I'd love to find out as well.

[@loutewl6903]

Does anyone know when a big E type III with a registered trademark on the red tab with 526 buttons was made? My jacket doesn't have a cardboard tag or cloth or paper tag.

[@loutewl6903]

And it doesn't have the hand warmer pockets

[@LootFam]

The Levi's jackets are one of the exceptions to the factory code rules. Yours sounds early 70s.

[@kristianeldienogra7202]

Hello. Nice review. I’ve been following your videos and it’s so good. I have a question. My mum bought me a Levi’s trucker jacket in the US but I do not see button code at the back. It’s blank. Do you think this is legit? Thanks.

[@LootFam]

It's possible that the button wasn't stamped by accident or it rubbed off over time. If you'd like you can email me some photos and I can take a look. [e-mail]

[@kevinh1444]

I have an orange label jacket that has W.H. on the back of the buttons. It is made in Malaysia. Is this a knock-off jacket. Don’t see Malaysia mentioned in your list of places made.

[@LootFam]

Could you send me some pictures to [e-mail]? I’d love to take a look. Thanks

[@kevinh1444]

@@LootFam Done and thank you!

[@rdbooks]

My levi’s trucker doesn’t have any number stamp behind the buttons, does it automatically mean it’s fake? everything appears to be high quality and legitimate.

[@LootFam]

Nope, sometimes the stamp wears down or doesn’t get stamped. That’s not uncommon.

[@Ale.saliiij]

The code 532 in levis 501xx is made in usa?

[@LootFam]

Yes, Knoxville if memory serves me right.

[@Ale.saliiij]

@ ok thanks❤️

[@taylorleegang]

Don’t see a code for “4985” for my 501. That tags are gone inside unfortunately

[@ninaj84]

What if the number on the back of the button doesn't match anything on the tag? The button on mine has 762 but the tag number is 104 0996 and there's no match on the paper tag anywhere. I know these jeans were purchased by my grandfather many years ago at a department store, like Kohl's and I'm trying to sell them now. I can't imagine they would be fakes. How is this possible? Are there certain circumstances where they're not always going to coordinate? thanks!

[@LootFam]

Hey Nina! Send me some picture of the tag and we can try to sort it out. There are always exceptions but we can see what we can find out. Send pics to [e-mail]

[@ninaj84]

@@LootFam thanks! I have a bunch of other jeans of his that I can authenticate and the button matches the tag. Maybe he really did end up with a fake? I'll email you when I get a chance. Thanks!

[@momvanup]

Oh, if only you had a website to refer people to!

[@LootFam]

Toooo truuuue.

[@Ian-kq5em]

Do these rules apply to Levi denim jackets as well

[@LootFam]

They do generally, but three digit factory codes are found on some pre 1981 jackets (typically type 3 jackets). So they do not follow nearly as consistently as jeans tend to do. Thanks for watching!

[@adambrown9105]

I have a small e levis pre-1984 trucker jacket with "529" button number

[@ColonelAngus2023]

Me Too

[@japvstor4920]

I got blank button 501 selvedge,single stitch pocket,hidden rivet pocket copper.... Because of blank button, I'm still confused...is it lvc? Or even fake?

[@LootFam]

You can send me some photos to [e-mail] and I can take a look. Thanks!

[@japvstor4920]

@@LootFam will do....thanks a lot in advanced man

[@21PEACEFROGS]

Just founded a pair exactly like your, are they fake or real?

[@brunonjezic6208]

Weird. I have jacket with matching button/tag numb 192 that is apparently made in Turkey. It is not in the list at all. I guess it could be fake due to the fact i got it second hand

[@LootFam]

Hey Bruno! These lists aren't, unfortunately, comprehensive. There are some factory codes missing. I'm working on making a more comprehensive list. I think you'd jacket is fine. Thanks for watching!

[@brunonjezic6208]

@@LootFam that is good to hear! I find other things unusual on it. It has black polyurethane patch that cracked and it seems lot number is not there or it was printed white and it got worn away. It is naturally worn type1 variation with bit of fun DYI inspiration in design. Im shure it was raw as new and stiching is done exelent. But that patch is unusual, something i newer saw before so i got around learning and cheking the factory num. I found trace only of one more online in some blog. Not shure what to think of it. Im guessing it is 2000s made from what i can tell

[@r3dox484]

i have a 501 big e, the factory code is 5222, what it could be?

[@jjsolis8259]

I have a pair of 501s made in the USA that I believe are 100% legit. However, they do not have a factory code on the button. They appear to be "irregular" factory rejects as the ink stamp on the interior pocket is smeared. Was it common for a factory to NOT stamp their code if they are rejected?

[@harryjohari1127]

awesome and thanks, next video i suggest you xvintage t shirt tag... i know that a ton of it... make simple video for it... like 3d emblem, hanes, Stedman, and other cool features of it

[@LootFam]

Great idea! I have been working on the outline for a video like that, just needs a bit more research. Thanks for watching!

[@harryjohari1127]

@@LootFam or maybe you can make video about evolution of vintage tag...like nike pinwheel tag to orange tag to nike blue tag to nike grey tag... in 1 video.. next video make other brand tag vintage evolutions...

[@heatherholman6019]

Do you know anything about the type 1 jacket ? I have one with a brass or bronze buckle and cannot find much info. I love your videos !!!!

[@LootFam]

Yes! Can you email me some photos to [e-mail]? I can help you out from there.

[@RexMarble-d5p]

I am hopeful that you might be able to help me date and value two pair of Levi jeans. Both pairs have never be washed and still have the original tags attached. The first pair has a leather patch with the following information; lot 503XXXB W28 L34. The back pockets have rivets. There is a oranges colored paper label that states "THE RIVET'S STILL THERE. The fly has two buttons that are slightly smaller than the top closure button. There is no number on the copper colored side of the closure button. There is a white rectangle label that in part states "FOR OVER 70 YEARS". The second pairs has a leather looking label that has the following information printed on it; 501 W32 L31. There are no rivets on the back pockets. The orange colored paper label states "BAR TACKED AT OINTS OF STRAIN" with arrows pointing to the upper pocket corners. The fly has four buttons that are slightly smaller than the top closure button. There is a 6 on the back side of the closure button. There is a white rectangle label that in part states "FOR OVER 100 YEARS". I worked in a men's store in Idaho 1970-1973. I saw these two pairs of jeans and they looked much older than the others that were for sale. So I bought them and have been carrying them around for 50+ years. So I know that they are at least that old. Based on the label mentioned above the 503 pair could be 30 years older than the 501 pair. I do not know if you might be interested in buyer them for your collection or not; or just available for providing dates and values. Regardless, thank you for your time and I have enjoyed viewing many of your videos. You do a great job. Wishing you the best.

[@ben-davidrunkle5914]

Hi there, I didn’t see anyone write back to you regarding the 2 jeans you have, do you know if you still have them by chance, I would be interested

[@waterandsunlight]

Can anyone tell me what it means if my Levi’s leather jacket is written in cursive.

[@waterandsunlight]

The button and the zippers are written in cursive.

[@LootFam]

Could you send some photos to [e-mail]? I can take a look

[@GoldenSoundsSeries]

Hey, I love your channel! Very informative videos. I have some jeans with a black and gold label that I thought were from the sixties, but I now see there is a "K" on the back of the closure button. So does that mean they are made in Korea and therefore probably from the eighties? Thanks!

[@LootFam]

No, a K would be consistent with a pair from the 60s. Awesome!!

[@GoldenSoundsSeries]

@@LootFam Sweet! Thanks for the quick reply. You rock!

[@williamcady9464]

What's number 2 mean

[@LootFam]

I means it was made in an American factory. Hard to be certain which one though.

[@BlakJak21]

R on the back button. Is it fake?

[@LootFam]

Could you send me photos to [e-mail]?

[@Paul-ns8fr]

R means it's original befire 1970

[@FredValerio]

Wowww! great stuff

[@QuartzCrisis]

Several guides online state that Levi's started using 3 digit codes from mid 1970s and not from 1981.

[@LootFam]

You are correct. Three digits had been used on jackets for a number of years prior to 1981 but the transition on denim jeans took place around 1981. I had this verified by a representative of Levi’s themselves. Thanks!

[@QuartzCrisis]

@@LootFam mine was actually a jacket, now it makes sense. Thank you!

[@katsfuncreations8673]

I have a big E jacket with no care tags, with 526 on the buttons, so it has to be from before 1971 and still had a 3 digit code on the button.

[@chopperking1122]

levis made in australia had 341

[@salvage35]

I have been working in flea markets for 40 years and I could have made a million $ if I knew this when I started

[@ambethable6695]

I have one with 546 code,

[@raynellwelch2792]

Cool fact the bottoms are made of real silver.

[@lb4082]

There does not exist a good list for these button codes. ( please do not reply the same old tired list it doesn't break down any USA codes, and HTF does that stupid thing rank 1 on google?!)

[@LootFam]

What list are you referring to? The ones i link to in the description, while not complete or perfect, give a decent overview of the codes imo. I’ve had to confirm directly with Levi’s some that are on there and many that are not. For the most part I’ve had good luck with contacting Levi’s through customer service to confirm any number that i couldn’t confirm otherwise. That might be helpful if you have a factory code that you can’t confirm. Thanks for watching!

[@kimoandrews5802]

Anyone seen 773?

[@matthewschablik2949]

Ayooo my 39 stamp got a feature haha

[@LootFam]

Ya boiii

[@andnowhearthis]

Any idea where the 39 is from? Neither of the links showed it.

[@matthewschablik2949]

@@andnowhearthis nope, wasn’t able to figure it out. The pair it belonged to seemed kind of strange too and it had a few of us scratching our heads whether it was legit or not

[@LootFam]

Currently, the evidence suggests to usa. I’ve had some interesting developments with the pair that the picture is referring to. I’m on some what of personal mission to solve this mystery.

[@andnowhearthis]

@@matthewschablik2949 I hope it's legit. :)

[@wagstaffe7]

Suggestion...stop waving your hands and bobbing your head.

[@LootFam]

haha! I will take that into consideration. Thanks for the feedback.

[@kimoandrews5802]

I like his delivery.