#306A • Early Lee Jeans Buddy Lee Store Display

Part of Labor Day Mega Auction - Part 2 (timed auction by K and B Auction)

High bid $426.00

Status: Sold

12" Tall Buddy Lee doll used as a store display for Lee Jeans. Buddy Lee was used from 1921 through 1962, with the early examples being made of composite, like this Buddy, then changing to molded plastic. This Buddy Lee is in exceptional condition and most likely a 1920's model.. The facial details painted on his face are unblemished. He is wearing Lee blue denim overalls and a blue demin hat, both with "Lee Union Made" labels sewn onto the front and the overalls have a "Union Made Lee Sanfordized Reg. US Pat. Off." label on the back. He also is wearing a blue denim collared shirt and a red bandana. Snaps for the overalls straps are metal Lee snaps. There is a manufacturing flaw on one "shoe" resulting in pitting at the toe area that was painted over. There is about a 3/8" section at the bottom of the shirt collar on the back where the stitching has unraveled. You will not find a better example of a Buddy Lee doll. Most are wearing RR conductor's jeans. The solid blue jeans are much less common. He is free standing and cute as a button. KS