Chamois
A soft leather used by watchmakers and jewelers, and so called because first prepared from the skin of a species of antelope known as chamois.
Chamois, to Clean. A chamois leather should never be thrown away because it is dirty. It can easily be cleaned and is then better than a new one. Prepare a solution of warm water with a little soda in it. Wet the leather in this and rub it thoroughly with soap and leave it to soak for several hours, after which rub it vigorously until it is quite clean. Prepare a new solution of warm water, a little soda and some soap and rub the skin thoroughly in this to rinse out the dirt. A chamois skin must never be rinsed in water only, or it will come out harsh and dry. The soap in the water leaves the skin soft and pliable. Ivory soap will be found particularly desirable in this respect, as it is rich in fat and has but little rosin and no surplus of lye. After thoroughly rinsing, wrap the skin up in a towel and wring it until dry and then work it thoroughly in the hands until it is dry and pliable and you will have a leather which is superior to a new one.