Press and Media
The facts, the photo, and the people to call.
Everything on this page is cleared for editorial use. For a call, a quote, or a visit to see the details on real pieces, reach Sam Wingenbach at hello@californiavintagebuyers.com or the number below.
The story
$12,000 in cash for one 1940s Levi’s jacket
On June 6, 2026, California Vintage Buyers paid $12,000 in cash, the same day, for a single 1940s Levi’s Type 1 denim jacket. The seller, a retired vintage dealer who knew exactly what he had, chose to bring it to buyers Sam Wingenbach and Jake Cover in person rather than ship it to an auction house or list it online. The jacket has since gone to a private collector.
What separates a $40 denim jacket from this one is a handful of details anyone can see in a minute: one chest pocket, pleats down the front, a cinch buckle at the back, a capital E on the red tab, and the patch. The buyers see jackets like this a few times a year, and they see families about to donate them far more often.
- What was bought
- One 1940s Levi's Type 1 (506XX) denim jacket
- Price
- $12,000, paid in cash the same day
- Date
- June 6, 2026
- Seller
- A retired vintage dealer who knew exactly what he had and chose to bring it to Sam and Jake in person rather than ship it
- Where it is now
- With a private collector
- Who evaluated it
- Sam Wingenbach and Jake Cover, the two buyers behind California Vintage Buyers
Video
How to tell if your Levi’s are vintage
Sam walks through the check on camera. Embeddable from YouTube; clips may be used with credit to California Vintage Buyers.
Who to talk to
Sam Wingenbach
Buyer, California Vintage Buyers. Co-founder of Old 44 Vintage. Sam and Jake Cover evaluate every piece the company buys, in person or on a video call. Sam is available for phone interviews and can show a reporter the details that separate ordinary old denim from the valuable kind on real pieces at the Laguna Hills warehouse, by appointment.
Email hello@californiavintagebuyers.com or call (949) 449-1255. Bios for both buyers are on the About page.
About California Vintage Buyers
California Vintage Buyers buys vintage Levi's and workwear, costume and turquoise jewelry, Pokemon cards, and full estates across Southern California, with free house calls from its Laguna Hills warehouse at 23011 Moulton Pkwy, Suite G-11, and remote buying nationwide by video call with payment before anything ships. Every evaluation is done in person or on a video call by the team behind Old 44 Vintage in San Juan Capistrano. Sellers can call or text (949) 449-1255.
Photo and video terms
The photo and video on this page may be reproduced by news outlets and publications in coverage of California Vintage Buyers, with the credit “California Vintage Buyers”. Additional photos of vintage Levi’s, workwear, and turquoise jewelry from the company’s own purchases are available on request. Please do not crop the credit or alter the images beyond standard resizing.