This 1996 Levi's Vintage Clothing (LVC) Japan WWII Model Type I Selvege Denim Jacket is a meticulous reproduction of the original 1940s Levi's 506XX, commonly known as the Type I jacket.  This model reflects the resourceful design adaptations made during World War II, where materials shortage had called for clever adaptations adhering to historical specifications and showcasing Japanese craftsmanship.

Key features:

Simpiflied design : due to war time fabric and materials shortage and rationing, the jacket features a single chest pocket without flap, donut buttons embodying the minimalist aesthetic of the era. The donut buttons are stamped J02 indicating the factory code. The primary purpose of the stamp is to identify the manufacturing factory. The J02 code is typically found on Levi's jackets that are high quality reproductions "repros" made in Japan during the 1990s.

Japanese Selvedge denim: constructed from premium Japanese selvedge denim, woven on traditional shuttle looms, ensuring durability and the distinctive red-line edge finish.

Cinch buckle back:  includes a cinch back buckle for waist adjustment, a characteristic detail of the Type I design 

Big "E" red tab:  features the iconic "Big E" red tab on the chest pocket, a hallmark of vintage Levi's garments.

Japanese craftsmanship: manufactured in Japan, renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality of denim production.  

Leather Levi's branding logo patch: stamped Lot 506 W36 in size 36

Copper Rivets: can be seen on the jacket - see pocket,  sleeves, buckle back.

Crop Fit:  fits short above hips. 

Manufactured in Japan

This jacket is highly regarded and sought after among deim collectors and enthusiasts alike for its authentic representation of Levi's heritage and the historical significance of the WWII era.

Sold as is in used look condition.  What you see is what you are getting.

Details on the leather patch  

Japanese reproduction is stamped 506 (or 506XX) instead of 71506, it indicates a different production era within the Japanese market. Levi's Japan changed its stamping conventions as the reproduction line evolved.

Evolution of the Stamp (Japan Era)

The change from a 5-digit lot number (71506) to a 3-digit lot number (506) reflects the shift toward more "historically accurate" branding that occurred in the mid-to-late 1990s. 

• 71506 / 71506XX (Early to Mid-1990s): This was the standard coding used by Levi's Japan when they first began their dedicated vintage reproduction series. The "71" prefix was a internal code used to distinguish these high-end Japanese-market reissues from standard global products.

• 506 / 506XX (Late 1990s to Early 2000s): As the reproduction line matured and eventually transitioned into the global Levi’s Vintage Clothing (LVC) line around 1996–1999, Levi's began removing the "71" prefix to more accurately mirror the original 1930s-1950s leather patches, which only displayed "506XX". 

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Item description up-to-date 04.2026

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