Vintage 40s Lee 101J Center Red Tag Denim Jacket Union Made Sanforized Riders 40

VINTAGE 1940s LEE 101J RIDERS DENIM JACKET — CENTER RED TAG / UNION MADE (SIZE 40) OVERVIEW & ARCHIVAL SIGNIFICANCE An exceptional piece of American workwear history: an authentic late-1940s Lee 101J Riders Denim Jacket featuring the coveted Center Red Tag (Union Made / Sanforized). KEY VINTAGE IDENTIFIERS & DETAILS Era: Late 1940s (c. 1946–1949) Model: Lee 101J Riders Tagging: Original woven Center Red Tag reading "UNION MADE - Lee - Sanforized" with attached size tag (40). Hardware: Stamped brass Lee Riders button closure front, cuffs, and pocket flaps; original black cat's-eye buttons on rear waist adjusters. Pocket Tag: Woven black/gold Lee tab on left chest pocket flap (no ® or MR marks). Fabric & Wash: Mid-to-heavyweight indigo denim displaying rich, dynamic vertical fading, subtle crosshatching, and crisp original texture. CONDITION REPORT Grade: Near Mint / Superior Vintage Condition (Collector Grade) Denim Integrity: Outstanding structural integrity with minimal to no physical wear. The denim retains strong indigo depth, crisp fabric structure, and clean, natural contrast fading.