Can someone explain what the modern day equivalent would be of “monkey grain” leather? Apparently it was a popular choice for transit seating in the early 1900s.

Monkey Grain appears to be a common and long-produced embossing pattern. Examples from a 1907 catalogue (not the greatest picture) and a modern shoe (better illustration), and the current Naugahyde catalogue page https://www.naugahyde.com/catalog/?keyw ... h=#results (see the Port and Rawhide patterns). I've seen this pattern on several train, bus and boat seats over the years.

Ok, so pebble grain would probably be a fair substitute. Thanks

Back in 2011, the Illinois Railway Museum reupholstered the seats of TMER&L (Milwaukee, WI) streetcar 972 with leather.

http://www2.irm.org/blogs/categories/52-Two-Milwaukee-Streetcars/P5.html


Their Electric Car department may be able to provide additional information about specifications and sources.