Are these shell cordovan boots?

[eggyolk]

I recently purchased Polo Ralph Lauren boots on ebay that was listed as cordovan. Not being able to see the vamp clearly from pictures to look for micro creases I message the seller to verify that boots listed were indeed "shell cordovan". He replied yes they were the "real deal" and a great buy.

I received them yesterday and immediately knew that boots were not shell cordovan from the micro creases. Had I done more research beforehand I would have known that Polo does not make shell cordovan boots in Italy. However seller stands by his opinion that boots are shell cordovan and would not allow return unless I must ask a local cobbler/repairman. Hence I am here. Few cobblers would have the knowledge and expertise of shell cordovan as the community of Styleforum.

I am posting the ebay listing as well as pictures I have take myself in hopes that your assessment will sway seller that boots are not shell cordovan. I will give seller a link to thread so the the more replies the better. Thank you in advance for your participation and help.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/232248149956?ul_noapp=true


Closeups of the boots in question.

 

[emptym]

From far away, they look like shell, but the wrinkles indicate some kind of calf/cow. So I'd say they're corrected grain cow/calf.