Like Ghopper said these chairs have been around a while !! They are not rare or hard to find !! But the seat does make it unusual !! This was done out of necessity !! Most likely started out as a rush or rope seat that wore out !! I am guessing its probably deer hide !! The hide would be soaked in water then attached to the seat !! As it dried it would tighten up and harden !! As you can see they last a long time,,longer than the chair they are attached to !! The chair is oak !! If it were me I would strip the paint but leave the chair as-is !! The leather seat is a conversation piece !! Quite a unique application of a deer hide !!