Ettinger Review: The Royal Wallet
When you think of a British wallet, you probably think of a black exterior that opens to reveal a flash of bright yellow or orange. That style—the "Bridle Hide" contrast—was popularized by Ettinger.
Founded in 1934 by Gerry Ettinger (and now run by his son Robert), Ettinger is one of the few luxury leather goods companies that still makes its product in the UK (in their Walsall factory).
They hold a Royal Warrant to the Prince of Wales (now King Charles III), granted in 1996.
The Leather: Bridle Hide
Ettinger specializes in Bridle Hide. This is leather originally designed for equestrian saddlery. It is vegetable-tanned, strong, and waxy. It is stiff when new but breaks in beautifully. Traditional bridle leather is thick (4mm). Ettinger splits it down to be thin enough for a wallet, but it retains that toughness. The signature is the "London Tan" interior—a bright, mustardy yellow that contrasts with the sombre black or havana exterior.
The Craftsmanship
Walsall is the leather capital of Britain. Ettinger's factory there is a benchmark for quality.
- Turned Edges: The leather is skived (thinned) and folded over for a clean edge.
- Stitching: Fine, high-density stitching.
- Jacquard Lining: The pockets are lined with a special yellow silk jacquard (the "P" pattern for Prince of Wales? No, purely Ettinger branding, but it feels royal).
The Verdict
Ettinger is the quintessential "City Gent" wallet. It is slim, elegant, and discreetly expensive (£200+). It is significantly better made than the fashion brands (Gucci/Prada) at the same price point.
Pros:
- Royal Warrant quality.
- The iconic yellow interior cheers you up every time you pay.
- Hand-made in Walsall.
Cons:
- Bridle hide can scratch easily (it's part of the patina).
- Conservative styling (no wild designs).
Related: Tusting Review | Royal Warrants Economics