Shell cordovan

Cordovan is an equine material made from the superficial fascia (or shell) of the lower layers of the hide on the rump of a horse.

More recently it has been increasingly used for shoes, wallets, and watch straps due to its visual appeal and exceptional durability.

Because it is made of connective tissue, it is smooth and lacks the pebbled effect of leather derived from the outer skin.

The hide is cut at right angles to the backbone and the resulting pieces termed a "front" (the forward part) and the "butt".

The "butt", after tanning, is passed through a splitting-machine which removes the grain, or hair side, revealing what is termed the "shell".