It was my privilege to work with this unique and special shell with more details of its origin listed below. The results are this amazingly gorgeous passport cover that can fit 2-4 cards and passport. It is made from Conceria Il Ponte Textured Shell Cordovan from Tuscany. It is hand stitched with cream vinymo thread for a classic luxury finish.
About this unique shell:
In 1786, while en route to the Mediterranean with Russian goods, including leather, the Metta Catharina ship sank. Despite the crew's safe landing, the ship and its precious cargo vanished. Fast forward almost two centuries, and underwater explorers were able to locate the ship and its cargo, including 200-year-old leather. A tannery in Slovakia went digging into this tale a few years ago and embarked on a quest to uncover the secrets of the leather associated with the Metta Catharina. After delving into century-old books, they extracted ancient tanning methods and experimented extensively.
The result? A partial recreation of this lost treasure. Metta Catharina Shell isn't an exact replica but embodies key tanning elements: specific tannins, animal fats, natural oils, and crucially, natural wood tars. This imparts a resilient, smoky aroma and robust protection against pests and bacteria.
This shell boasts a unique tanning process, materials, and finishing touches. It exudes an authentic "old-world" feel, thanks to its distinctive aroma and high oil and fat content, offering a soft, yet dense and supple texture.
The shell used is from Conceria Il Ponte, a tannery adorned with gold from LWG audits and a leader in the Consortium Pelle Conciata al Vegetale in Toscana.