I happen to own a complete “Russia Hide” I purchased back in approximately 2004 from someone who bought a group of full hides from Daniel Putnam Brown, (a.k.a. “Put” Brown who is a noted scholar in the field. Put, with his British partner had the rights to sell these hides in America. Divers retrieved these, approximately 100 ft. down, after discovering the shipwreck Metta Catharina, (which sunk when a massive gale hit, and it was anchored while “waiting out” a gale off of England in 1786 (enroute from St. Petersburg, Russia to Genoa.) I found the story absolutely fascinating , and purchased the hide ( which fyi is seemingly as supple, and smooth as the day it was prepared) land survived due to the fact that it was protected by the mud or silt it dropped into. It is preserved in “Birch Oil”, which has a wonderful "spice-like” almost hard to describe scent. I had acquired approximately 14 or so years ago at a time when one of the primary groups interested in owning the hides were museums and private collectors. Furniture on surviving inventories in America as early as 1650, describe seating furniture with the mention of "Russia Leather”. I also know of a number of exceedingly rare examples of 18th century furniture which still survive today. I only today searched and found that a number of the top fashion houses including Hermes are creating pieces using the leather. I would greatly appreciate knowing who would be the best contact to sell my hide for whatever the appropriate price is. I have just taken photos of it. If anyone has thoughts on this, I would greatly any help. I can post a photo of it as well.
) and medium build and have carried my Bolide 45 every day for the last fortnight.
