This brief article details two simple microchemical methods for giving an indication of whether or not an old leather sample has been vegetable tanned. The ferric test shows the presence of vegetable tannins, but also reacts with other phenolic compounds, so it is only a general indicator. The vanillin test shows the presence of condensed tannins and is sensitive to changes caused by oxidation of the leather. The materials needed are described along with a safety note for working with concentrated acid.