Russia leather

American  

noun

1. a fine, smooth leather produced by careful tanning and dyeing, especially in dark red: originally prepared in Russia.

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Russia leather British  

noun

1. a smooth dyed leather made from calfskin and scented with birch tar oil, originally produced in Russia

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Etymology

Origin of Russia leather

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

Mr. Stanhope knows that clippings of Russia leather and cedar-shavings will keep the little creatures off our shawls and muffs, and why should not the pretty things live and be happy?'

From Forgotten Tales of Long Ago by Bedford, F. D.

“I have to dress for a smartish servant and a Russia leather despatch-box.”

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 20 (of 25) by Stevenson, Robert Louis

She held a square Russia leather case, in corn-flower blue.

From A Duel by Marsh, Richard

It was even possible that he had hidden for a few hours in the secret closet the contents of the Russia leather bag.

From The Window at the White Cat by Rinehart, Mary Roberts

"Then," I said conclusively, "if he took the pearls and sold them, as sure as I sit here, he took the money out of that Russia leather bag."

From The Window at the White Cat by Rinehart, Mary Roberts