Everything about Shell Cordovan

What is Shell Cordovan?

Shell Cordovan is different from other types of leather made from horse hides, in this special type of leather only the two shell-shaped parts on either side of the tail are used. This is done deliberately because that is where the fibres of the horse's skin are closest together. This gives you an extremely strong and durable skin that can be tanned in one day using vegetable tanning methods. This time-consuming process can take up to 5 months.

Why is it so precious?

Shell Cordovan is one of the most expensive and exclusive types of leather in Europe. This is because the pieces of leather are made from the underlying skin of the hind part of a horse, these are rarer than other pieces of leather because they are present in less quantity. This 2nd layer of skin that is located under the top layer of skin is very difficult to obtain in perfect condition. This makes Shell Cordovan a more exclusive variant of horse leather.

The complete process

Watch below the interesting video about the entire process that is needed to bring a new life from the dead horse skin. They always say: "A picture is worth a thousand words".
This video comes from the leather manufacturer Tatra Leather based in Tuscany, Italy.

Een afbeelding van het mooie plaatsje Toscana in Italië

Name & Origin

The name Shell Cordovan comes from the place where the leather originated, namely the beautiful city of Cordoba in Spain.
The leather was first made here by the Visigoths in the 17th century, and later also by the Moors.

The origins of Shell Cordovan horse leather date back to the Middle Ages, when the leather was used to make armor and other military equipment (at that time it was not labeled as Shell Cordovan).

Our special types of leather

  • Shell Cordovan van de leverancier Rocado in de kleur museum cognac

    Rocado's Museum Shell Cordovan - Cognac

    A striking red-orange colour.

    This is a special type of variant of our Shell Cordovan leather with a more characteristic expression.

  • Shell Cordovan van de leverancier Rocado in de kleur museum groen

    Rocado's Museum Shell Cordovan - Green

    A modest green color.

    This is a special type of variant of our Shell Cordovan leather with a more characteristic expression.

  • Shell Cordovan van de leverancier Rocado in de kleur museum bruin

    Rocado's Museum Shell Cordovan - Brown

    For the classic.

    This is a special type of variant of our Shell Cordovan leather with a more characteristic expression.
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