The British Belt Co. Shell Cordovan Wallet

Made to order for Drop members only, this double bifold features shell cordovan from Joseph Clayton & Sons, an English tannery with more than 175 years of leather know-how. In the 1800s, the company earned its stripes producing shoes, boot soles, and harnesses for a horse-driven community. Now, this 25-man operation is one of the last remaining pit-tanners in the UK, specializing exclusively in tanning rather than the manufacture of finished leather goods.

The manufacture of leather goods is where The British Belt Company comes in. Another English heritage brand based about 60 miles from Clayton & Sons, this 70-year-old leather specialist is known not just for its belts but also its bags and wallets. And this wallet is an excellent example of the company’s work. Simply designed, it features two large slots for folded cash and two slots for cards. The interior is stamped with the company name and the words “Made in England,” while the exterior is stamped with the words “Shell Cordovan.”

Pioneered in the Middle Ages by the Moors, shell cordovan comes from the fibrous flat muscle, or shell, taken from the butt of a horse’s hide. Over the course of 6 months, this super-durable leather undergoes an extensive process that includes tanning, stuffing, shaving, polishing, and coloring—all by hand. The result: Super-smooth, super-durable leather that ages like a fine wine.