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

By dry distillation the bark yields an empyreumatic oil, called diogott in Russia, used in the preparation of Russia leather; to this oil the peculiar pleasant odour of the leather is due.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Slice 7 "Bible" to "Bisectrix" by Various

Conspicuous upon it was lying a letter-case of Russia leather.

From The Shooting of Dan McGrew, A Novel Based on the Famous Poem of Robert Service by Dana, Marvin Hill

I carried it in a package in a small Russia leather bag that never left my hand for a moment.

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

The only part that now remains to account for is the small round portion at each end, which, from its dark, peculiar, tawny hue and pleasant scent, you have no doubt recognised as Russia leather.

From Tales of the Toys, Told by Themselves by Broderip, Frances Freeling

The porter came and took her Russia leather bag.

From Abroad at Home American Ramblings, Observations, and Adventures of Julian Street by Street, Julian