Can anyone ID this leather?

[SimonC]

I've recently purchased a vintage Gladstone bag, which I initially assumed was made from grained calf. However, the more I look at it and handle it, the more I suspect it's something else. It's a heavier, less supple leather than calf, and there's sufficient variation to the grain that I believe it may be naturally-occurring.

Can anyone offer any suggestions?

 

[bengal-stripe]

It's pretty impossible to be precise from that photograph.

If it's not embossed and if the leather is very heavy, it might be a shrunken oxhide or American bison. Seal has a similar texture, but I don't know if that applies only to small animals or the fully grown ones as well.

Of course, in the first quarter of the last century, all sort of animals could be turned into leather goods.

 

[SimonC]

Originally Posted by bengal-stripe

Of course, in the first quarter of the last century, all sort of animals could be turned into leather goods.
Here's a larger photo if it helps with scale:

 

[bengal-stripe]

Looks to me quite similar than the 'Ranch Oxhide' Church's used for shoes or Weinheimer's 'Odessa'

http://www.weinheimer-leder.com/prod...e08/index.html

Whatever leather it is, it's a lovely bag and apparently in wonderful condition (not dried out at all).

Congratulations!

 

[SpooPoker]

Buffalo? If it were a smaller grain pattern I would guess chingalle, but I dont think it oinked.

 

[SimonC]

Originally Posted by bengal-stripe

Whatever leather it is, it's a lovely bag and apparently in wonderful condition (not dried out at all).

Congratulations!

It was in good shape when I recieved it, but I gave it three coats of Liquid Leather and one of Pecards Vintage Leather Dressing for good measure.

 

[Equus Leather]

It looks like printed baghide/girth hide to me, though difficult to tell from a photo. If so its cow and should have c.2.5mm of substance. I may well be wrong though! What does the inside look like?

Charlie