Everything about Shell Cordovan
What is Shell Cordovan?
Shell Cordovan is different from the other types of leather that are made from horse skin, as with 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 fibers of the horse's skin are closest together. This gives you an extremely strong and durable skin that can one day be tanned 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 leathers in Europe. This is because the pieces of leather are made from the underlying skin of the hind end of a horse, these are rarer than other pieces of leather because they are present in less quantity. This 2nd layer of skin, which is located under the top layer of skin, is very difficult to obtain in perfect condition. This makes Shell Cordovan a more exclusive version of horse leather.
The complete process
Watch the interesting video below about the complete process required to give new life to dead horse skin. They always say: "One picture is worth a thousand words".
This video comes from the leather manufacturer Tatra Leather based in Toscana, Italy.
Name & origin
The name Shell Cordovan comes from the place where the leather originated, namely in 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 go back to the Middle Ages, when the leather was used to make armor and other military equipment (at that time it was not awarded as Shell Cordovan).