Jean Specs:
Model: 501
100% Cotton, 12 oz. Red Selvedge Denim from Cone Mills
New Rinse- Dark Wash
Big "E" Reb Tab
Button Fly
Watch Pocket w/Rivets
Double Stitched Arcuate on Back Pockets
Hidden Back Pocket Rivets
Signature Leather Patch
Made in Turkey

PC9 Code: 475010168

Levi's states that in 1947, the 501 jeans changed and became more like the current ones you see today.  The fit became slimmer, the cinch and suspender buttons were removed, and the watch pockets had rivets again.  The denim used back then was from the famed, and now closed, White Oak Cone Mills Plant in North Carolina.  In addition, all of jeans were made in the United States.  Today, the reproduction of the 1947 501 is mostly made with Cone Denim, not White Oak Cone Denim; an important side note as Cone Denim is usually associated with United States production.  However, if you are lucky enough, you could score a pair with the infamous 'White Oak' label. 

The 1947 501s are currently available in New Rinse- Dark Wash and Rigid (raw).  It is important to note that the differences between the two are not only that the Rigid is raw and Shrink-to-Fit, but also that the New Rinse is retailed $45 cheaper.  The Rigid pair will also fade better because it is raw.  However, after speaking with Levi's, the Dark Wash 1947s has a tendency to produce fades as well overtime.  Just don't expect them to be as prevalent and have that 'starchy' feel upon first wear.

Now to the hot topic with Levi's, the quality control and overall craftsmanship.  This particular 1947 501 pair is pretty good, save for some minor stitching imperfections.  However, at a retail cost of $240 or $285, I expect these to be made better.  The overlock stitching on the inseam and fly, not to mention where it is made, for this price point is rather ridiculous.  Yes, they are supposed to be made the "exact same way" (I could not find any  concrete information on the inseam and fly stitching from that era), but from what I have read, flat-felled seams and the single needle-felled seams were used more until recently (overlock stitching is the fastest to produce).  Regardless, the current product should have a lower price.

If you are looking for something at a better price point, there are many alternatives out-there that model this exact pair.  For example, Sugar Cane has their "1947" design which is made in Japan and retails at $199.  Other "entry level" brands, such as Unbranded, Brave Star Selvage, and United Stock Dry Goods, have better construction, a more ethical (in some cases) supply chain,  and all can be found for under $100.  It seems you are paying a hefty price for the LVC 1947 501s to get the Levi's brand name.  

Railcar Fine Goods was started by Steven Dang in 2010 and operates out of Monrovia, California.  Every garment is made in house by a small team of crafters that use vintage equipment to replicate the quality of clothing made long ago.  In addition to denim goods, the brand sells footwear by heritage brands such as Red Wing Shoes and Wolverine.  Other items for sale on their website include denim care products, accessories, and they even have their very own Barbershop!  If you need your denim tailored and your shoes resoled, Railcar offers these service as well!

The Spikes X034 Model is slim-tapered and is made with fabric from a mill in Turkey that was designed specifically for Railcar Fine Goods.  What drew me to this pair was the 'slubbiness' and the fact that I find 15-17oz. to be the perfect weight for me three out of the four months of the year (excluding summer).  My 3sixteen NT-15x jeans are the same weight and also made with plenty of slub.  While that pair beats the X034 in term of looks in my opinion, I find the X034s to be more comfortable and feel lighter in weight.

From what I have read by others online, the X034 is a relatively slow fader.  I have been wearing my pair four to five times a week for the last month and have noticed some indigo rub off on the belt loops and fly. If you like 'crocking' from you jeans to your shoes/boots (especially natural vegetable-tanned pairs), then I would say this model is for you as there is plenty of indigo dye on these to go around!  I have seen suggestions to be wary around light colored furniture while wearing these but I have not had any issues with dye transfer on my tan couch and chair.  It is important to note though that I did do an initial soak (Yes, I know these are sanforized) which can help keep indigo fabric transfer to a minimum.