Thomas Jefferson Wallet

Thomas Jefferson Wallet

$195.00 USD
$195.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Ships to the lower 48.

This wallet is a faithful recreation of one owned by Thomas Jefferson in the early 19th century. It is handmade by Cassandra Reilly in Western Pennsylvania. 

It is made from vegetable-tanned kangaroo leather and hand-rubbed with a blend of tallow, beeswax, and birch tar oil. The result is a thin yet extremely durable leather, with the deepening character that best approximates the English Kip material of Jefferson's original. Over time, the surface absorbs oils and burnishes under touch, darkening and polishing like well-loved wood. 

Cassandra hand-cuts, hand-scores, and hand-assembles every wallet. Marbled paper lining recalls Jefferson’s era, while the use of machine stitching ensures durability without sacrificing craft. 

We have a limited number of wallets available to ship before the holidays. Wallets ordered before 12/8 should arrive before Christmas.

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Made by Cassandra Reilly of Pastorum Carmina

Wallets are made in small batches in Cassandra’s workshop on Benedictine Farm in Western Pennsylvania.

Color That Deepens Naturally

Kangaroo leather develops a rich patina with use. The natural oils from your hands and the subtle friction of daily handling deepen its color over time, creating a wallet that grows darker, softer, and more personal with every day you carry it.

“I find as I grow older, I love those most, whom I loved first.” — Thomas Jefferson, 1787

  • Vegetable-Tanned Kangaroo Leather

    Imported from Australia, via Montana, this leather offers durability and a patina that deepens over time, echoing the qualities of 18th-century English kip leather.

  • Conditioned the 18th-Century Way

    Each hide is “stuffed” by hand with a historic blend of beef tallow, beeswax, birch tar oil, cod liver oil, and pine tar.

Dimensions

materials

kangaroo leather hand-rubbed with tallow, beeswax, and birch tar oil

care

Oil with a leather conditioning wax when dry

shipping

Ships free with UPS ground

A Cordwainer’s Craft

In her studio, Cassandra Reilly treats and finishes each hide by hand — cutting, shaping, and burnishing the leather to bring out its natural depth and warmth. Every wallet reflects the cordwainer’s craft: simple, enduring, and made to last.

Crad Image
Crad Image

Wallet

  • Handmade

    With the exception of machine stiching, every aspect of the wallet's manufacture is by hand.

  • Kangaroo Leather

    Kangeroo Leather best approximates the historic English Kip leather used in the original wallet. Kip leather is a tight-grained leather between calfskin and steerhide.

  • Free Shipping

    Ships free via UPS ground directly from Cassandra's workshop.

3% of Profits to Bring Back the American Chestnut

Roseland is committed to helping return the iconic American chestnut to its native range. We will donate 3% of all unit-level profits at the end of 2024 to the American Chestnut Foundation and other similar efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the wallet made?

The wallet is made in Cassandra's leather workshop near Pittsburgh, PA.

Does the Heirloom Warranty apply to the wallet?

Unfortunately it does not. While kangaroo hide is an especially strong leather, repair is not a realistic option.

Which materials are not sourced in America?

Yes. While purchased from a Montana importer, the Kangaroo hides are ultimately imported from Australia, while the paper in the wallet is sourced from the United Kingdom.

What is the return policy for the wallet?

We accept returns within 30 days of when your order arrives. Wallets that  have been used or damaged are not eligible for return or exchange.