1 5

British Leather Supplies

Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan Leather – Armagnac

Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan Leather – Armagnac

£365.00 GBP
£365.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Premium Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan in Armagnac

This genuine Horween Shell Cordovan leather is a premium Crupp Shell in the sought-after Armagnac colour-way. Produced by the renowned Horween Leather Company in Chicago, USA, this shell offers the exceptional density, durability and signature lustre that has made Shell Cordovan one of the world’s most prestigious leathers.

This oval Crupp Shell measures approximately 66 cm long by 42.5 cm wide at its widest points with the distinctive natural shape of genuine Shell Cordovan. Please see photos.

With a thickness ranging from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, this shell provides excellent versatility for both hand and machine-crafted small luxury leather goods.

EMPTY DOM REMOVE PROTECTOR

Product Specifications

Product Specifications

  • Leather: Genuine Horween Shell Cordovan
  • Type: Crupp Shell
  • Colour: Armagnac or Black
  • Tannery: Horween Leather Company (USA)
  • Thickness: 1.0–2.0 mm
  • Approximate Size: 66 cm × 42.5 cm (widest points)
  • Shape: Natural oval shell
  • Temper: Firm with natural flexibility
  • Finish: Aniline finish with Horween’s signature rich oils and waxes
  • Sold As: Individual shell

Perfect For

This Crupp Shell makes it suitable for creating premium leather products including:

  • Luxury wallets
  • Watch straps
  • Card holders
  • Belts
  • Small handbags
  • Notebook covers
  • Passport holders
  • Knife sheaths
  • High-end accessories
  • Bespoke leather goods

As Shell Cordovan is prized for its strength and luxurious finish, it is especially favoured by artisan leatherworkers producing heirloom-quality pieces.

Working with Shell Cordovan

Shell Cordovan behaves differently from standard vegetable-tanned leather due to its dense fibre structure. It burnishes exceptionally well, takes clean edge finishing and benefits from sharp tools and careful skiving where required.

The varying thickness of 1.0–2.0 mm allows makers to select the most suitable areas of the shell for different components within a project.

Natural Characteristics

Every Horween Shell Cordovan shell is unique. You may notice natural features including:

  • Colour variation
  • Growth marks
  • Rolling
  • Natural surface character
  • Thickness variation
  • The distinctive oval shell shape

These characteristics are hallmarks of authentic Shell Cordovan and should not be considered defects.

  • Fast Shipping
  • 30-Day Returns
  • Workshop Tested
View full details

Why Choose Genuine Horween Shell Cordovan?

Horween has been producing Shell Cordovan for more than a century and remains the benchmark by which all Shell Cordovan is judged. Their traditional methods produce leather that is recognised worldwide by luxury shoemakers, bespoke leatherworkers and premium brands.

Whether you’re crafting a one-off commission or producing luxury leather goods for discerning customers, genuine Horween Shell Cordovan offers unrivalled prestige, durability and timeless appeal.

What Makes Horween Shell Cordovan Special?

Unlike conventional leather, Shell Cordovan is not made from the outer grain of the hide. Instead, it is produced from the dense fibrous membrane found beneath the hide of a horse’s hindquarters. Horween’s traditional tanning process takes approximately six months and involves vegetable tanning, hot stuffing with natural oils and waxes, careful hand finishing and extensive polishing.

The result is a leather that is renowned for:

  • Exceptional durability
  • Rich, deep colour that develops a beautiful patina
  • Characteristic high lustre
  • Minimal creasing compared with calf leather
  • Smooth, tight fibre structure
  • Outstanding longevity

Each shell displays its own unique grain patterns, colour variation and natural characteristics, ensuring every piece is one of a kind.

What Our Customers Say

4.96 ★ (397)
Verified

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this genuine Horween Shell Cordovan?

Yes. This is authentic Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan sourced from the Horween Leather Company.

What does Crupp Shell mean?

Crupp Shell refers to the shell section cut from the horse’s hindquarters. It is the dense membrane that gives Shell Cordovan its unique strength, smoothness and durability.

Is the leather exactly 1.0 mm thick?

The shell naturally varies in thickness between approximately 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm, allowing different areas to be used for different applications.

What size is the shell?

The shell measures approximately 66 cm in length by 42.5 cm at its widest point. As with all genuine Shell Cordovan, it has a natural oval shape rather than a rectangular profile.

Is every shell identical?

No. Every shell is unique, with natural variation in colour, markings and thickness. These are characteristics of genuine Horween Shell Cordovan and contribute to its individuality.

Why Shop with British Leather Supplies?

Becky from British Leather Supplies working at a table with leather and tools in a workshop setting

At British Leather Supplies, we carefully select professional-quality leatherworking tools that deliver exceptional performance and value. The Kemovancraft Diamond Stitching Awl combines precision craftsmanship, premium materials, and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for leatherworkers seeking clean, professional stitching results.

Fair and affordable pricing

Quality and Reliable

Fast Shipping

Friendly Support

Workshop Tested

READ OUR STORY

"One of the fastest services I've ever come across! Goods despatched super-quick and really nicely packaged. Many thanks" ***** - Paul D

Explore Our Vegetable Tanned Leather Collection