BESPOKE AUSTRALIAN CROCODILE

A LABOUR OF LOVE

BAGS FROM $20,000

BELTS + WALLETS FROM $5,000

THE DESIGN

Due to the rarity and the inherent limitations of the materials per se Bespoke Crocodile Leather Goods are generally petite and simple in design. Unlike soft cowhide which lends its form to a wide variety of organic shapes and sizes, crocodile pieces are by their nature structured – they follow established construction techniques and paradigms. Pictured above is a clutch which showcases the unique textural characteristics of the skin. Importantly Christopher Hanlon® creates all crocodile pieces with beautiful imagination and a timeless sense of style, as his team have done for decades with their traditional Australian cowhide leather goods.

COMBINING MATERIALS

Alternatively you may prefer to combine crocodile with cowhide – see Bespoke Leather Pieces. Whatever the case maybe, Australia is well known for crocodilian skins from our largest reptiles. Crocodile Porosus (Saltwater Crocodiles) found in Australia are certainly the most prized and said to be one of the world's rarest. The commercial value of Crocodile Porosus hide is one of the most valuable of all species due to the size and shape of the underbelly scales and the lack of ventral osteoderms (which may otherwise make tanning difficult). The osteoderms on Crocodile Porosus are located on the back in addition to a small nuchal cluster on the neck region.

TAKE YOUR PICK

Some clients prefer to choose young Crocodile Porosus hide (the lifespan is 70 years) as it is both gorgeous and often considered to be the most lavish of crocodile skin. Other clients by contrast, prefer different species and sub-groups for their uniquely developed visual idiosyncrasies such as larger scutes, scales or plates. Whatever you ultimately select, Christopher Hanlon® and his team are only too happy to assist you in creating the perfect enduring heirloom piece. Perhaps a pièce de résistance is Christopher himself will personally design it for you. Priceless.

The LOWDOWN

Price Guide: Christopher Hanlon® Crocodile Leather Bag (27.0cm Length x 18.0cm Height x 9.0cm Width) with fine suede or microfibre lining and bespoke detailing approximately $25,000. A smaller sized bag (25cm x 10cm x 3cm) such as the clutch pictured above $20,000. Men’s Belts, Wallets and Women’s Small Purses from $5,000. Time: approximately 4 weeks from order confirmation to delivery. Terms: 50% payment upfront. Who Makes it: Christopher Hanlon® trained craftsmen.

HOW TO RECOGNISE CROCODILE

1. BACK HORNS

The neck of all the crocodilian reptiles has a number of small ‘horns’ or bumps - a trained eye can decipher that they are arranged in a fixed pattern of rows which is exclusive to each animal - alligator, crocodile and caiman. For an alligator, it is 2 rows of 2 horns each; for a crocodile, it is two rows with 4 and 2 horns each.

This pattern will become discernible only in the ‘hornback cut’ - where the hide is cut to keep the neck pattern intact (as opposed to the belly cut).

2. SKIN PORES

In crocodile leather, the tiles (scutes, scales or plates) are more uniform - the pattern on one side of the belly is almost symmetrical to the other side. Also, each tile will have a small dot that will be often visible - a remnant of the hair follicle that was present there (an exclusive distinguishing characteristic of a crocodile).

3. SIZE

All crocodiles are characterized by a lizardlike shape and a thick skin composed of close-set overlapping bony plates (tiles or scales).

The world's largest reptile species are the Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus Niloticus) of Africa and the saltwater, or estuarine, crocodile (C. Porosus) from Australia. They both reach lengths of up to 20 feet (6 meters) and can weigh about 2,200 pounds (more than 1,000 kilograms).

AT YOUR SERVICE

You can determine authentic porosus crocodile by understanding that Crocodile Porosus scales on the flanks (sides) are more oval in shape than most other species and that belly scales are often rectangular, even, tight, and relatively small. More importantly Christopher Hanlon® Designs use authentic Australian crocodile sourced from Australian crocodile farms - each piece comes with official Australian Government Certification (paperwork). Contact conceirge for further information.

WARNING | AUTHENTIC CHRISTOPHER HANLON® BESPOKE PRODUCTS HAVE HOLOGRAPHIC SECURITY SEALS, EXCLUSIVE INSIGNIAS AND/OR EMBEDDED MICROCHIPS. COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS ARE KNOWN TO EXIST.

BUCKLE UP

Available in Polished Silver, Matt Brushed Silver, Polished Gold, Matt Brushed Copper-Gold, Painted Black Satin Finish and Aged Brushed Brass.