Crafted by Hands of America - Keep America Working

Leather Information

Specialty Hides

Leather as a Material

Explanation of Various Leather Types and Cleaning Codes

Leather Pattern Descriptions

Leather Inventory Checklist

Introductions and Drops

Leather Patterns and Colors

See the Frequently Asked Questions section for more details and facts about leather furniture.

Leather Pattern Descriptions

updated 7/26/10

 
All of our leathers are top grain cowhides. We do not use any split hides or vinyl combinations on any part of our furniture. LEATHER CODES
AP = ANILINE PLUS PIGMENT
A = ANILINE
N = NUBUCK

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GRADE I
Darius (AP)

Top grain -- pigmented matte finish with stain protection - painted monotone coloration.

Omega (A)

Top grain -- fine smooth leather in a garment weight, which offers exquisite drapeability. An effect coat provides greater color depth and a luxurious, waxy feel -- heat, light and sun sensitivity -- some color variations.

Rio (AP)

Top grain aniline drum dyed then hand-wiped and finished with a translucent pigment topcoat -- subtle two-tone effect -- medium sun and stain protection -- excellent alternative to customer wanting softness but needing strong wear factors.

Winston (AP)

Top grain garment-weight leather - smooth surface with subtle savauge effect to increase color depth - medium sun and stain protection.


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GRADE II
Appalachia (AP)

Full top grain fine hand washed semi aniline leather. This leather has a subtle and plump feel. The delicate craftsmanship of this washed effect enhances the classy old world look. Heat, light and sun sensitive – medium stain and water repellency.

Belmont (A)

Full top grain with natural pebbling – hand-stained and topped with a combination oil/wax finish, then sprayed with a protective topcoat and hot ironed to give it an added hand and multidimensional depth – this leather is reminiscent of rich saddlery or boot leather, it even squeaks as you scrunch it between your fingers – color variations – heat, light and sun sensitive – medium stain and water repellency.

Bogart (A)

Full top grain European hides -- pure aniline leather with an oil tannage that creates a cool, wet surface feel and a very light pull-up effect -- the clear, polished surface offers a more formal appearance -- color variations to be expected -- heat, light and sun sensitive.

Brittany (A)

Top grain South America hides are selected intentionally to naturally highlight this leathers genuine markings: brands, barb wire, insect bites, neck and fat wrinkles. Subtle mottling adds dimension and character to the finish. A slight wax infusion creates a light pull up effect to complement the subdued, burnished texture. A light protective top coat will help resist every day stains and spills. Color variations are likely due to the multi-step production process.

Carnegie (A)

Full top grain -- pure aniline leather with an oil stuffing process to give this leather a deep aged break when pulled and upholstered. A pull up leather will lighten and brighten in color when pulled. Extreme color variations -- heat, light and sun sensitive.

Casino (A)

Full top grain -- pure aniline with heavy wax applied to the surface for polished boot leather effect. Earthy colors, reminiscent of autumn leaves. Colors will vary as common to anilines and according to wax application. Heat, sun and light sensitive.

Concord (AP)

Full top grain leather, characterized by a faux effect with soft feel - aniline dyed with a lightweight color coat, then a uniquely formulated contrasting compound is hand-rubbed over the surface, removing some of the top coat and also blending the colors together to create a multi-tone effect. A clear finish topcoat offers a high resistance to stains and spills.

Cordova (AP)

Top grain leather – hides receive a base coat, then a specially formulated top coat, which is hand rubbed to work through the overspray coat for a tone-on-tone inlay effect – light seal coat for resistance to everyday stains and spills. Hides are specially selected for their individual range markings - their natural grain structure is enhanced by this unique finishing technique for a soft, vintage appeal.

Dakota (AP)

Top grain, heavy weight version of our Esquire pattern, providing a more masculine look and feel - final protective topcoat finish offers medium stain, soil and sun resistance.

Esquire (AP)

Top grain -- aniline-dyed crust with three different transparent colors layered over one another in a multi-step technique, utilizing hand-rub artisans -- fly-spatter effect added to the surface -- final protective topcoat finish offers medium stain, soil & sun resistance.

Fresco (AP)

Top grain aniline with two-tone hand padded finish, enhanced with a bright protective topcoat for even greater color depth and richness -medium sun and stain protection. Color variations due to the hand craftsmanship of the dyes and finish.

Heirloom (A)

Top grain -- full aniline with a semi-corrected grain. The crust is dyed in a lighter shade than the surface. The surface is then treated with heat and pressure to darken the waxes and oils, achieving a beautiful pull-up two color effect when the leather is pulled or stretched during upholstering and customer usage. Sensitive to heat, sun and light. Light soil protection. Extreme color variations.

Heritage (AP)

Full, top grain aniline with transparent pigments which are hand-applied in a sponge-painting fashion for a subtle two-tone coloration. The result is a random, natural color pattern. Feel agents are added to enhance the natural softness to an almost pure aniline article. Medium sun, heat, light and stain protection. Some color variations.

Jamocha (AP)

Top full grain tri-tone aniline and pigment dyes - two complimentary colors are applied to a base coat for a slightly mottled, rich coloration. A light wax spray is then applied and burnished to highlight the colors and provide a soft, waxy hand. Simple, yet elegant and moderately-priced. Medium stain protection, but sensitive to heat, light and sun. Pronounced color variations.

Legends (AP)

Top grain pigmented leather with tone-on-tone dyes hand-rubbed for greater color depth and a vintage appeal -- medium sun and stain protection. Color variations likely due to the multiple coloration and hand-rubbing process.

Madison (A)

Full top grain smooth elegant leather. It has a pull up effect when the leather is stretched during upholstery. Color variations from hide to hide are to be expected. Heat, light and sun sensitivity.

Pegasus (AP)

Top grain with a pebbled texture and a subtle two-tone -- a newly developed polishing process gives this leather a tipped effect with both a contemporary and a traditional appeal in a Mediterranean Spa color palette. A final finish topcoat helps protect against everyday stains and spills.

Portico (AP)

Full top grain leather -- aniline dyed, then hand-rubbed with a high contrast pigment top coat, offering a bold two-tone effect -- medium heat, light and sun and stain protection. As with all hand-worked products, each hide will have its own personality with subtle variations in color and effect.

Sedona (AP)

Top grain leathers that are lightly correctly & pigmented.  Hand finished & ironed. A clear topcoat is then applied to help resist everyday stains & spills. Pre-milling ironing process allows for a mixture of slick and variegated colorations for a more natural effect. Extreme color variations.

Saloon (A)

Full top grain aniline leather, with a wax infusion process for a soft, matte aged appearance.  Masculine look that complements any style, has a slight pull-up effect.  Heat, light and sun sensitive – color variations and natural “hallmarks of the trail” (neck wrinkles, fat wrinkles, stretch marks, healed scars and insect bites) should be expected.

Triad (AP)

Top grain leather with aniline and pigment dyes - three complementary colors are applied to the surface for a rich coloration with slight sheen - soft, plump feel that will upholster beautifully - medium sun and stain protection - minimal color variations.


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GRADE III
Abbott (A)

Full top grain aniline drum-dyed with light waxand oil treatment for a crackle effect -- natural markings will be prevalent for a rustic, weathered appeal -- moderate color variations -- some color fading may occur if exposed to direct, intense light and heat.

Alamo (N)

Grain split suede -- aniline-dyed then shaved for a smoother appearance -- vein marks will be apparent throughout the leather since suede is a substance layer -- color variations should be expected. Alamo is treated at the tannery for liquid and stain resistance but will fade if exposed to direct light -- Alamo will develop a patina over time and with use.

Anitgua (AP)

Top, full grain leather -- aniline-dyed hides which are vacuum dried and hand rubbed with a vintage appeal in mind -- these hides are selected for distinguishing surface markings and deep creases that are highlighted by a contrasting color to give the appearance of age and use, but still offer a smooth, dry touch -- pronounced color variations -- medium sun and stain protection.

Austin (A)

Full top grain leather -- aniline-dyed, then oils and greases are applied to the surface of the hides for the highest degree of pull-up or crackling in the surface as the hides go through our production -- color variations -- heat, sun and light sensitive.

Costello (A)

Top grain aniline drum-dyed with wax and oil crackles -- embossed with a woven basketweave effect -- correlates with Abbott -- moderate color variations -- some color fading may occur if exposed to direct, intense light and heat.

Crazy (A)

Full top grain leather with a combination wax/oil tannage with aniline dyes. The light pull up creates a two tone effect during upholstery. Visible scars will be used throughout to give it a worn rugged look that will continue to burnish and polish over time thus enhancing the patina. Pronounced color variations -- heat, sun and light sensitive.

Garbo (AP)

Top grain semi aniline - very soft and supple leather. This leather has a matte finish. Lightly buffed yet natural, this leather is perfect for updated styling. Medium sun and stain resistance – matte finish.

Good Hope (A)

Top grain aniline, the foundation color is a tri-tone, then layered with a specially formulated darker top coat. After your furniture is upholstered our craftspeople wipe off some of the top coat to achieve a "through the years look of use & enjoyment." This rub-off is most evident on natural wear points, such as cushion tops, arm tops, seams, front panels. Medium sun & stain protection . The finish is self sealing & will resist everyday stains & spills within reason.

Keating (A)

Top grain aniline leather, very soft to the touch.   Its  smooth and buttery feel has a sleek, sophisticated look all its own. It is light sensitive and should not be placed in direct sunlight.  It offers no protection from stains and spills.  Color variations should be expected.

Lisbon (AP)

Top grain aniline leather with a darker pigment top coat for a two-tone coloration -- pronounced color variations. Created on a European crust, the tanners achieve the aged look of vegetable tanned leather, with a softer feel, by using a special combination of vegetable and chrome tanning. A clear water-based topcoat is applied so this leather can be used in high traffic areas. Prolonged exposure to sun and heat will cause fading.

Lombardo (A)

Top grain pure aniline leather, with wax and oil added to the aniline dyes.  This leather sports a larger, yet natural, grainy texture; which is achieved by using a slightly heavier weight hide, then tumbling in a drum.  A lightly contrasting color is applied to the tips of the grain, to further accentuate its texture.  Heat, light and sun sensitive – subtle dye lot variations.

Nairobi (A)

Top grain leather embossed to replicate an alligator pattern.  This leather is a pure aniline with a wax pull-up effect which creates a lighter embossing, that will fade  somewhat with use.  It is sun sensitive and has little protection.

Orleans (AP)

Top grain aniline -- a foundation color is applied to the aniline-dyed crust, then a specially formulated topcoat in a complementary hue is applied. This topcoat is wiped off by our own craftspeople after the furniture is upholstered to replicate a wear story that would occur over time. The top coat is self-sealing after being wiped. The final effect is a rich, two-tone combination reminiscent of an earlier, grander era -- medium sun and stain protection - one-of-a-kind colorations due to the wipe-off process.

Renegade (A)

Full top grain aniline leather, inspired by vintage equestrian leathers.  This leather is rustic and distressed; hides are selected to intentionally highlight all of the naturally occurring hallmarks of the trail, like barb wire scars, insect bites, neck/fat wrinkles and other markings.  A white wax is applied to the surface; it is intended to break or crack over the surface finish with use, further enhancing its vintage, heirloom appeal.  A light protective top coat will help resist every day stains and spills, but color variations should still be expected.

Rugby (A)

Full top grain aniline leather -- burnished wax pull-up for a naturally rustic, weathered look -- matte finish -- pronounced dye lot variations -- wax acts as a light liquid repellent -- sun sensitive.

Tropical (AP)

Top grain aniline leather in a subtle tone-on-tone neutral coloration - a "pearlized" effect is then added and topped by a final finish coat to protect against everyday use. Special agents are infused throughout the tanning and retanning process to achieve the most luxurious hand possible. Medium sun and stain protection - dye lot variations to be expected.

Tuscany (A)

Top grain aniline using lighter weight hides that drape very well and look great on tightly upholstered frames -- tanned with a unique wax that features a smooth, clear top surface with a rich, polished effect that accentuates the unique characteristics of full grain leather. Drastic dye lot variations -- sun and stain sensitive.


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GRADE IV
Ayers (A) Full top grain European hides are hand-antiqued to offer clear color translations of leather from our distant past. Medium sun & stain protection. Color variations likely due to the multiple colorations and hand rubbing process.
Buckshot (A) Top full grain aniline on English bull hides - processed through a series of finishing operations with wax and oil to provide a truly unique feel and pull up -- final embossing to resemble "wormy chestnut" wood or a randomly pitted, buckshot effect which is done under extreme pressure that adds polish to the finish. Extreme color variations -- especially due to the pull up effect that will accentuate natural markings on the leather -- intended to burnish with wear -- very light sun and stain protection due to the wax and oil.
Chippewa (AP) Full top grain hides receive a base coat before a specially formulated top coat is applied. After your furniture is upholstered, our craftspeople hand wipe off some of the top coat. When our artisans rub through the top coat, it melds with the base coat to bring about a pleasing distressed effect. The result is a unique, one-of-a kind piece of furniture that looks aged, but not worn. The colorations in this pattern are fresh and natural. A light seal coat finishes off the look and provides resistance to everyday stains and spills. Medium sun and stain protection. Extreme color variations, due to the nature of application.
Coco (A) Top grain pure aniline leather with a 60% vegetable re-tan is designed to replicate the look and feel of polished calf with a tight grain surface. Bright, clear cosmopolitan color palette and firm hand are reminiscent of European luggage and handbags. Heat, light and sun sensitive -- moderate color variations.
Corinthian (A)

Top grain aniline leather with black savauge treatment hand-wiped on the surface. The hand-antiquing adds color depth as well as hiding some of this naked leathers natural markings, making this pure aniline leather somewhat more friendly-extremely luxurious feel, featuring a deep luster -- heat, light and sun sensitive -- only the most light stain and water repellency.

Crocodile (AP)

Top grain leather with pigment dyes -- embossed with crocodile pattern, then hand wiped with several different contrasting semi-transparent pigments for greater color depth -- pronounced color variations -- medium stain protection. (NOT SAMPLED -- AVAILABLE ON REQUEST)

Hamilton (A)

Top grain, pure aniline with a light two-tone effect. A clear water based wax topcoat offers a polished look and greater durability, but this leather will fade in prolonged sunlight -- moderate color variations.

Jameson (A)

Top grain pure aniline lightweight leather from Italy. It has an exquisite touch and provides a casual elegance, but natural markings will be prevalent since there is no pigment coverage. Extreme color variations - heat, light and sun sensitive.

Maverick (A)

Wipe-on leather with a unique combination of dyeing from the tannery and our skilled craftsman after upholstery. Base is a top grain aniline in a very rough hide selection that has been dyed to a golden yellow coloration. After it has been fully upholstered and brass nailed, we apply a thin brown stain to the surface, then wipe off some parts for a worn look. A clear final top coat seals the colors and provides some sun and stain protection. This process creates an aged patina - each piece is truly a unique piece of art and can never be duplicated.

Mystic River (A)

Full top grain aniline-dyed leather, which is hand-antiqued with a contrasting color. Vacuum-dried for a smooth, tight grain surface texture with a silky feel and greater color depth. A light top coat helps protect against stains and spills while it provides a rich sheen and magnifies the color. This leather has nature’s signature through its healed scars, bug bites, and range markings.

Navarone (A)

Full top grain aniline-dyed leather, using heavy weight hides. This leather has an elegant and slightly aged look due to the oils and waxes applied during the finishing process, but remains very soft and drapeable. Slight pull-up effect - clear protective top coat provides additional protection for wearability. Heat, light and sun sensitive – matte finish.

Safari (A)

Full top grain – pure aniline with shrunken grain on European hides – heat, light and sun sensitive – matte finish.

Vintage (AP)

Full top grain aniline leather, with pigment top coat -- hand rubbed to create light and dark areas, simulating a water-stained plaster wall -- no two hides will ever be the same and areas within a single hide vary greatly within a single hide -- distinguished by a soft, sensual hand and a sophisticated mens club appearance of heirloom status. Medium heat, light and sun protection -- extreme color variations.


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GRADE SP - Specialty Items
Grade L6
Cow Hair-On

Cowhide with the natural hair and coloration left intact. Various combinations can be requested (Brown/white spotted or speckled, black/white spotted or speckled, tan/white spotted or speckled and brindle light or dark exotic) with photographs provided. Each hide is unique, with only minimal control of the final coloration. Factory discretion is reserved for application.

Yosemite (A) Top grain Italian hides are embossed with a floral and acorn motif, then lightly brushed with a rich turquoise color to highlight the peaks of the embossing throughout the hide. This effect is made by a third generation Italian artisan in Milan and truly offers the authenticity craved by fine leather purveyors.
Grade L7
Rags

New innovative product. A piece of natural colored linen is heat-fused into a brown suede cowhide, then laser cut and removed in a decorative pattern. The finished product offers a "shabby chic" type of time-worn look. Hides are small, so use will be limited to accents. This covering should only be spot cleaned and will have a frayed, inconsistent look.

Grade L8
Africana Croco

Top grain leather, embossed to replicate a large scale crocodile pattern. Gold accentuates the emboss pattern, through lustrous black pigment dyes. The hides are shoulder cuts and are very stiff, so application must be limited to straight lines and parts that are upholstered closely to a wood frame. Very dynamic, chic look with high impact. Medium stain and sun protection.

Axis Deer Hide

Deer hide, with the hair left intact. Recognizable by the distinct dark line down the furrow or center backbone of each hide and flanking mirrored white spots. A dangling tail is usually left intact on the hides. Axis deer hides are small, but stretchy so application should be approved through the factory.

Everglade

Top grain leather, embossed to replicate a crocodile skin. The surface is hand stained and rubbed for a rich, masculine two-tone effect with polish. Medium stain protection.

Gaucho Top grain leather with a floral paisley design embossed in the surface, then hand stained and painted on the tips for original colorations each time they are created. A final clear water-based topcoat is applied by hand, which will vary in luster.