FAQ

Below are some additional details about what we do at Shilling Leather. If you can't find the answer to a question you have, you can always drop us a line over at our Contact section.

Our Leather

We source only the finest quality, Grade 1 leathers from traditional artisan tanneries in Tuscany, Italy. Our leathers are all vegetable tanned - a natural process using plant and tree barks that are rich in tannins to naturally treat the hides. This is an ancient process and is considered entirely ecologically-friendly, unlike the modern chemical-heavy process of chrome-tanning which is used for 92%+ of all leathers you find today. 

We are currently sourcing our leather from Badalassi Carlo Tannery and Conceria la Bretagna, both of which are members of the Pelle Conciata al Vegetale in Toscana Consortium who adhere to the highest standards of quality, heritage and sustainability practices.

Our leather will age naturally over many years and will wear the marks of use, developing its own unique patina. This natural character and charm is summed up perfectly here - "Vegetable-tanned leather absorbs the traces of our life, it matures and transforms with the passage of time. The natural ageing does not compromise its qualities, it is a rare material that actually improves with use. It embodies the signs of time and use as the most personal expression of naturalness and truth." For more, visit the The Genuine Italian Vegetable-Tanned Leather Consortium website here.

 

Why is there a Shilling coin in my wallet?

It's long been considered a faux pas to give the gift of an empty wallet. As a nod to this tradition, you'll find an original Irish Shilling coin tucked away in your wallet, a little token of good fortune as you start out on your journey with your new companion.

 

What do you mean by hand-stitching?

Just that! We don't mean a sewing machine, we mean two needles, thread and and a hand-pulling tradition dating back to c.365AD. Why do we do this? Saddle-stitching, as it's known traditionally, is a form of double-reinforced stitching, and is considered far superior to modern sewing machine results in terms of durability and strength. How did your last favourite wallet eventually begin to fail? We're willing to bet it was a stitch line unravelling, so like all the details of our process, we don't cut corners here. This is an artisan process and it takes time - but then again, so do most of the good things in life.

 

What is your turnaround time?

While we keep some items in stock at all times, we make most pieces to order, with a 5-7 day estimate turnaround from order in to postage out.

 

Where do you ship to?

We currently ship domestically in Ireland as well as to the EU. Please get in touch at the contact page to discuss an order outside these locations.

 

What is your returns policy?

Due to the handmade and custom nature of our products, all sales are final. However, do not hesitate to contact us if you believe there is a defect in your product and we will do our best to remedy this free of charge. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship and aim to produce pieces that will last the test of time.