As a finalisation of the Shell Cordovan topic (for those interested and like to understand the details). Cordovan is actually the subcutaneous layer of muscle, which in horses is called the panniculus carnosus. Because cordovan is muscle and not skin,

In brief, the production process looks like this. First, the parts that are used for the cordovan are cut out of the hide; they are located in the croup area, at the back of the horse. Then the wool is

Cordovan is a specially treated membrane that originally lies between the epidermis and dermis of the horsehide. The finished cordovan looks like leather; it is quite thick, very hard-wearing, scratch-resistant and expensive.