Annonay Antique Calf

The leather serves as a material for heritage footwear construction, used by makers including Crockett & Jones, Meermin, and Oak Street Bootmakers. Antique Calf allows for natural patina development through wear and can accept re-coloring from cream polish.

Tannerie D'Annonay produces Antique Calf using chrome tanning methods established at the facility since 1838. The tannery utilizes aniline dyeing in drums where the color penetrates deeper into the hides.

The finishing process creates a limited surface finish with matt appearance, designed specifically for hand patina application. This differs from the tannery's box calf products which feature high gloss finishes. Each pair of shoes made from Antique Calf receives hand polishing treatment during manufacturing.

The leather is tanned on whole French calf skins and finished through a process that preserves the natural grain characteristics of the hide. The aniline dyeing brings out the full character of the leather surface.

Antique Calf exhibits classic aniline-dyed properties that create fine creasing patterns during wear. The leather can develop small waves on the outer grain surface as it flexes. The aniline treatment allows the natural characteristics of the calfskin to remain visible through the finish.

The matt surface finish makes the leather more susceptible to environmental effects compared to heavily finished leathers. The leather accepts conditioning products including waxes, creams, and polishes for patina development. Users can influence the final appearance through application of these treatments or allow natural aging.

The leather demonstrates the wear-resistance and durability associated with Tannerie D'Annonay box calf tannage processes. The chrome tanning provides structural stability while the aniline finish maintains flexibility.

Heritage footwear manufacturers use Annonay Antique Calf for Goodyear welted construction. Oak Street Bootmakers incorporates the leather in wingtip designs with double leather soles. Meermin produces brogued cap toe boots using full grain French boxcalf from Tannerie D'Annonay, finished with closed channel single leather soles.

Crockett & Jones designates Antique Calf as appropriate leather for dress shoe applications. The leather's hand-polished finish and aniline-dyed characteristics suit formal footwear construction.

The leather appears in boots constructed using stitchdown and Goodyear welt methods. Makers select Antique Calf for applications where natural grain visibility and patina development align with product design intent.

Antique Calf responds to standard leather care procedures including application of waxes, creams, and polishes. The aniline finish allows conditioning products to penetrate the leather surface. Users can develop custom patina effects through selective application of pigmented creams.

The leather's susceptibility to environmental exposure requires protective treatment in harsh weather conditions. The matt finish accepts cream polish for color restoration and provides shine when buffed. The full aniline construction means the leather will show marks and develop character through use.

Regular maintenance preserves the structural properties while allowing controlled patina development. The leather's response to conditioning products enables users to modify appearance over time through product selection and application techniques.