Genuine Corde Handbag Value Guide

The Genuine Corde Handbag is a quintessential artifact of 1940s American fashion, rising to prominence when WWII leather rationing forced designers to innovate with rayon cord. These bags are highly collectible for their labor-intensive gimp work, where rows of cord were meticulously sewn onto fabric in complex, swirling architectural patterns.

What affects the value of Genuine Corde Handbag?

• Condition of the rayon cord, specifically looking for fraying, 'fuzzing', or broken threads in the gimp work.
• Functionality and luster of the gold-tone turn-lock clasp and brass frame.
• The complexity of the stitched pattern, with more elaborate swirling designs commanding higher interest.
• Cleanliness of the internal cotton lining, as stains or odors from the wartime era can decrease value.

How to Identify Genuine Corde Handbag?

• Look for the signature raised, textured rows of rayon gimp cord stitched in concentric or scrolling motifs.
• Check for a brass or gold-tone turn-lock clasp, a common hardware feature for mid-century Artflex or Corde Craft designs.
• Verify the interior lining is made of cotton, which was the standard utility fabric for the 1940-1949 era.
• Inspect the gussets and base for the 'Genuine Corde' label or stamp, often found inside the interior pocket.

History of Genuine Corde Handbag

Cordé bags were a staple of 1940s fashion, particularly during WWII when leather was rationed. The process involved sewing rows of gimp cord onto a fabric base in elaborate, swirling patterns. Manufacturers like Corde Craft and Artflex popularized this durable and stylish aesthetic, which remains a hallmark of wartime era mid-century design.