RARE 100-YEAR-OLD LEVI JEANS DISCOVERED IN ABANDONED SILVER MINE
The brand Levi's is well-known for their popular blue jeans. Founded in 1853 by German immigrant Levi Strauss, the brand has become one of the most recognisable names in the apparel industry. Some classics are vintage and difficult to find, even if they have been around for centuries, and a pair may be purchased in modern retailers. The jeans appear to have been a kind of holy grail for adventurer Brent Underwood during his underground explorations of California's deserted mines. Underwood announced an unexpected discovery—a rare pair of jeans that are 100 years old—on his YouTube channel, Ghost Town Living, during a recent walk into an old abandoned mine.
Why a pair of jeans was discovered in an abandoned mine may be on your mind. The initial purpose of blue jeans was to provide sturdy trousers for working men, such as the numerous miners who migrated to California in the late 1800s. Although denim was not new, a tailor called Jacob Davis created work pants with sturdy metal rivets. He eventually collaborated with Strauss to patent the pants in 1873. Workers soon embraced the clothing. This adoption took place at the same time that the California mining town of Cerro Gordo was mining for silver, lead, and zinc.
Despite Cerro Gordo's desolation, Underwood resides there. He carefully investigates the silver mines, scaling ancient ladders and finding the rubble that workers have left behind for generations. He came found soiled and crumbled denim while working down the Jefferson Chimney, better known as the Union Mine.
He shared his joy at the unusual discovery on YouTube, writing, "I found something I've been hunting for for a very long time!" The jeans have embossed buttons, which are reminiscent of those found on modern Levi's. The duo must be at least 100 years old, and possibly older, considering when the mine was used.
Underwood's path required talent and commitment. Mines can be hazardous, and navigating them safely requires skill and training. It took him several days and hundreds of feet of rope to make the descent, where he found the jeans. Vintage signs, a leather bag, and even ancient, unused explosives are among the other artefacts found on such journeys. Watch Underwood's amazing films on YouTube and his Instagram to learn more about these mines without leaving the comforts of your home.