can anyone tell me what a 'leather jappener' as occupation was back in 1800's in Walsall, Staffs. UK.

Answer 1

"Japanned leather" is a type of leather that is darkened and hardened by applying various types of lacquers, etc. to harden it and make it more durable. This was a lucrative occupation at the time as such leather goods were often saought by those who needed durable leather goods...travelers, soldiers, etc. Hope this helped you out.

Answer 2

Answer two is correct. JAPPANING

In China from the 4th century BC and in Japan from the 3rd century AD lacquer was used to decorate furniture and other household goods. It was copied in Europe in the 17th century.

Walsall`s Leather Trades in 1905
Tanning, Currying, and Japanning
The manufacture of leather in all its stages, form the preparation of the raw hide, through the tanning, currying, and japanning to the finished leather, is extensively carried on, and forms one of the most important of the many industries for which the town is noted. Tanning has been in operation for many years, both in oak bark and mixed tannages; some of the old tan pits date back something like two centuries. The leather manufactured is mainly that required in the coach saddlery and harness, and cycle and motor car trades; but large quantities for boots and shoes, bookbinding and upholstery as well as for fancy leather goods such as braces, belts, purses, pocket books, portmanteaus, etc are also prepared.
Japanned and enamelled leather in all colours is largely made, and some of the manufactories have a world- wide reputation for
excellence of their goods, while the preparation of pigskins, in all
colours also for upholstery and book binding, is a branch to which
some of the firms have likewise given special attention, and for
which they are deservedly famous. Some 500 or 600 operatives
are directly employed in the leather manufactured in Walsall, which finds a ready sale not only in the home market but throughout the world.
Extracted from `Walsall Past and Present` by Howard D. Clark,
published by Walsall Chamber of Commerce, 1905. The figures
given by Clark for numbers of employees in the saddlery and
harness trade are an underestimate: the 1901 census records a
total of 6830 people (4435 men and 2395 women), which had
fallen to 6531 in 1911.
Clark`s account describes the Walsall saddlery and harness trades at their peak; by 1910 the motor car was beginning to replace the horse, and demand for saddlery and harness was in decline, although Walsall`s export trade continued to flourish for some time after.

Answer 3

Are you sure your spelling of that second word is right? I searched that phrase and absolutely nothing came up! Sorry....IDK!