Early in 1942, as war production geared up, raw materials were allocated to critical needs and away from luxury goods. Very little notice was given to manufacturers of the zippers OR the handbag makers, so it was a scramble to come up with existing supplies and alternative designs.

"Metal Zipper Output Restricted"

"A War Production Board order issued March 28 and which became effective April 1 restricts the use of copper and copper base alloy in the manufacture of slide fasteners to 50% of the quarterly poundage used by a manufacturer for similar purposes in the year ended June 30, 1941. Regardless of the material used, the order prohibits the manufacture of slide fasteners of more than 10 inches in length, except that up to 12 inches is permitted for fly fasteners on trousers and up to 20 inches for work jackets.
Under terms of the regulation, no fasteners may be produced for bags, billfolds, pocket books, toilet and novelty kits, luggage and a wide variety of other products."

April 1942 "Luggage & Leather Goods," page 13

Full page ad for Prentice Zippers, April 1942 "Luggage & Leather Goods," page 43

Categories: 1942, Materials