Characteristics of an animal raw skin are closely related to the physical properties of finished leather obtained from the skin. Although numerous studies have been performed on determination of physical properties of tanned deerskin, characteristics of raw deerskin have not yet been described in literature. In the present study, data on morphological, histochemical and chemical characteristics of wild red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) skins obtained from Republic of Tuva within the Russia Federation are presented and the relevant differences between skins of other animal species described. Table Top Scanning Electron Microscopy (TSEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to determine the morphological characteristics of raw deerskins. For histochemical studies the cross section of skins were observed by Research Microscopy (RM). Hydroxyproline content, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), volatile matter, fat content, water-soluble-matter, sulphated total ash and fatty acid contents of raw deerskins were analyzed to further characterize the chemical composition of deerskin. Deerskin has comparatively higher TKN values, lower fat content with higher unsaturated fatty acid ratio, when compared to sheepskin. TSEM and SEM analysis showed that fur fibers and guard hairs of red deer skin were characterized by large cortex and medulla respectively that provides good isolation properties. In addition, high hydroxyproline content, low fat content, and tightly packed collagen fibers revealed by histochemical observations consolidates the long lasting property of deer skin. Assessment of skin characteristics enabled gathering data on physical and chemical properties of red deer skin, which is significant in choosing appropriate potential raw material that will produce the most suitable leather for a specific application
