Tsamouris, the Fastener Specialists©
In the late 1800s, the American West was a hive of activity, with men toiling on farms, ranches, railroads, and
gold mines in harsh and dirty conditions. The grueling work often led to “blowouts” — the splitting of pants
at pockets and other stress points. J.W. Davis, a Latvian tailor and inventor based in Reno, Nevada, who
specialized in making tents and wagon covers, devised a solution: placing rivets on work pants at these
points of strain, including the crotch.
He reached out to his fabric supplier, Levi Strauss in San Francisco, proposing a patent partnership. On May
20th, 1873, Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss & Co. obtained U.S. patent No. 139,121 for “an Improvement in
Fastening Pocket Openings,” marking the birth of the riveted blue jean. The near-indestructibility of Levi’s®
made them the go-to choice for the diverse, rugged individuals — workers, outcasts, entrepreneurs, and
outlaws — who were shaping America’s future.
Over a century later, these tiny rivets continue to serve their original purpose, ensuring that your jeans’
pockets remain securely attached and ready to handle whatever you throw their way.
