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

The porter came and took her Russia leather bag.

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

"Would you please order a Russia leather blotter for Miss Edith?" she said.

From The Leader of the Lower School A Tale of School Life by Campbell, John

Perhaps in the case of the man in gray the impression would have been heightened by sight of his two great commercial traveling bags of Russia leather, bearing the initials "N. M. Jr."

From Sons and Fathers by Edwards, Harry Stillwell

"There was a woman," I persisted, "and what is more, Wardrop, at this minute you believe she took your Russia leather bag and left a substitute."

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

“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