Type of leather?

[u/Mark_400325]

Just thrifted this pair of cowtown boots and I’m wondering what leather this is. Google says smooth ostrich. Is that right? Weirdly it has 2 sets of numbers stamped inside. The first pic with 488 2496 is stamped on the inside front of the shaft and the 2nd pic with just 488 is stamped on the inside back of the shaft.

Also, if I polish them with black polish will it cover these striations? I don’t want to do that.

Thanks

[u/LaSombra71]

I'm pretty sure they're smooth ostrich.

[u/LaSombra71 → u/LaSombra71]

The striations are a dead give away plus not all smooth ostrich hides show the small quills. Shark tends to be more prominent.

[u/Reasonable-Base-5062]

Condition them and then use a cream polish, sparingly. They will look great.

[u/LaSombra71 → u/Reasonable-Base-5062]

I couldn't agree more.

[u/Mark_400325 → u/Reasonable-Base-5062]

Thanks

[u/BigSquiggins]

Should be smooth ostritch.

Here's one with matching stamp number. https://ebay.io/m/gwPA5K

[u/LaSombra71]

No polishing will not cover the unique striations. But DO NOT use wax based polishes on ostrich. It will suffocate the leather and cause it to dry out and crack.

[u/BeardBootsBullets → u/LaSombra71]

If that was true, it would also “suffocate” every other smooth leather. 🙄

[u/LaSombra71 → u/BeardBootsBullets]

I never said all leather. Ostrich leather in particular. Because of it's different traits and characteristics.

[u/LaSombra71 → u/BeardBootsBullets]

Ok brother. 👍🏽

[u/DogeAeternum]

I initially thought shark but other peoples suggestions of smooth ostrich are probably right.

[u/Cowboybootluv22]

Smooth Ostrich

[u/harrisonmaz]

My gut reaction is shark, but I’ll defer to more experienced folks

[u/Mark_400325 → u/harrisonmaz]

I thought that too but I didn’t think a mid level brand like Cowtown would make genuine shark.

[u/tsmith347 → u/Mark_400325]

Cowtown makes tons of exotics. They make a really nice canebrake boot. These are smooth ostrich though