Location June 1942:

Westerman-Rosenberg Inc.
15 East 32nd St.
New York

Renamed 1949:

Wesley Handbags Inc.
15 East 32nd St.
New York

This example appeared in same issue as a "slack bag," representing the new wartime styles in "Slack Bags and Plastics in Spotlight" on page 38 of the April 1942 Luggage & Leather Goods. 1942ClothingStylesChange

Washable plastic envelope bag of red and white woven plasticord. May be had in a variety of colors. Retails $2.95. Westerman-Rosenberg.

Page 55 of the same April 1942 issue "Handbag News" column:

Alligator Calf Shoe Colors

Westerman-Rosenberg, Inc., is featuring a new group of alligator grained calf in colors to match Baron alligator being used in shoes. The important colors are sport rust, beige, cherry red, navy, green and white. The group of six styles includes a long narrow zipper top underarm, an envelope with lift lock and one with a snap, a double top handle number and an adjustable shoulder strap style. This collection retails for $4. The same colors may be had in lizard grain.
For summer this firm is showing a group of cleanable white Lammie bags designed in contrasting color combinations and trimmed in nailheads. These bags are shown in white with turf, red, navy, black Lammie, or with black patent trim and are to retail at $4.

June 1942 "Luggage & Leather Goods",page 56, Page 58 April 1942 "Luggage & Leather Goods" , August 1942 "Luggage & Leather Goods," page 54

Same issue, page 42

Excellent quality cape, and nineteen inches long is this dramatic long underarm bag. Has a covered frame, and prystal knob. Perfect for color coordinations. Comes in Kona or bright red, pine green, tobacco, navy, turf, brown, black. Westerman-Rosenberg.

"An exceptionally fine quality of cape is used by Westerman-Rosenberg in the long narrow underarm shown here in bright red." (page 63)

This unusual winged shape both increses interior space and reduces the amount of metal used be damatically shortening the length of the frame. It's a good example of the kind of design changes implemented to conform to WWII materials restrictions and shortages. 1942VictoryBags

Irregular Bag Silhouettes

Westerman-Rosenberg's new fall line features many smart bags in irregular silhouettes. Materials most important with this firm are French processed suede, 100% wool broadcloth and lammie, as well as good quality alligator grain.
A new version of the draw string bag is being shown in suede, faille and broadcloth. This is a roomy bag with a broad flat bottom and soft petal ends that form the opening, / This model retails for $5. (August 1942 "Luggage & Leather Goods," page 53)

Twins to the Westermans

Mr. & Mrs. Ben Westerman are celebrating the birth of twin girls, Susan Edith and Gail Rose, born at the Kew Garden Hospital on July 7. Mr. Westerman is a member of the firm of Westerman Rosenberg. (August 1942 "Luggage & Leather Goods," page 53)

Quarter page ad, "Handbag Buyer" June 1949, page 35

Categories: Makers