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 Is Genuine Corde Handbag Worth?

The typical price range for Genuine Corde Handbag is $45 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• 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.