Real leather is a natural product. It breathes, is warm and has individual characteristics which make each hide unique. Leather will
always bear the marks of its natural origin and these characteristics can show as healed scars, growth marks, areas of differing fibre
density and hair pore structure. These hallmarks in no way detract from the wearing qualities of the leather. They are signs discerning
owners cherish when buying leather. With the passing of time and use, it develops a patina which enhances its beauty.

Fig 1: Growth Marks and Veins - These are an indication of the age of the animal and in that respect are similar to the graining on a
piece of timber. They range from often quite pronounced marks in the neck area to subtle bands across the hide perpendicular to the
backbone. Heavy growth marks are often placed on the outside backs of seating.

Fig 2: Scars - These form usually as a result of barbed wire damage or by the horns of other cattle. In their healed form the new skin
is as strong as the remainder of the hide but unhealed damage should be avoided as tension on these parts may cause the leather
to split or burst.

Fig 3: Grain Variation - The fibre texture varies greatly from being loose in the belly and flank areas to being relatively tight across
the backbone. The looser areas consequently have more stretch. The variation in hair pore structure is particularly noticeable in
untextured leathers where clusters of open pores can sometimes be seen.

Fig 4: Shade Variation - No two hides are alike and due to the varying grain structure mentioned above the dyes and finishes penetrate
to differing degrees in different parts of the hide to give an attractive variation. Whilst every attempt is made to achieve uniformity
this is not always possible and sometimes not desirable.