Preparation of reptile skins Crocodile, Lizard and Snakes

Abstract

REPTJ LE skins, such as crocodile, alligator, lizard and snake, make very attractive and durable leather. Unfortunately, owing to faulty preparation, reptile skins often reach the tanners in too bad a condition to tan. The usual blemishes are cuts, gouge marks, bad shape, scale slip and putrefaction. Damage due to delayed flaying or dragging over rough ground is also common. So is damage due to overdrying or over-exposure to the sun, to distortion and overextension, or to the action of beetles after the skins have been dried.