Sources: Ettinger

I think of French leathergoods as a pink alligator belt, so refined, to paraphrase early Flusser, that it is suitable for little more than shopping. British stuff, on the other hand, is bridle leather: sturdy, hard wearing and every bit as attractive.

London's Ettinger is one of those bridle leather firms. I recently acquired another of their products, the card case in the photos, as a gift for my wife. Like the tote and the duffel bag that are already in my closet, the case is thoughtfully designed, very well made, and reasonably priced as these things go (£94 on the site plus a remarkably low £14 for fast shipping to the U.S. by FedEx came through as a $173 charge to my credit card).

On the Internet of course, the service is often the factor that determines whether an experience is a happy one. I still recall purchasing some scent from a well-known house and having to call them a week later to ask them to check their ecommerce site where my order was languishing. Ettinger, on the other hand, is close to perfect.

Recommended.