I'd be more concerned that it was just a bad leather. Could it be that bonded stuff? It actually looks fairly uniformly worn--even where nobody touches--which is weird. Craigslist psychologists would say that it seems to be inhabiting a well maintained and clean home so if it was a quality piece, it would still look new. :P

Or maybe it's actually perfectly fine and sort of a suede and it just doesn't photograph well.

Really, I think you have to see it in person.

It's all top grain leather. Palliser uses pretty decent leather.

Check out this link: Ranking of leather manufacturers

Looks worn but not worn out. There's a whole lot of black, though.

Black?

I just purchased the set for $700 bucks. I'll let you know how it works out.

There are those that would appreciate the patina that this set has developed. That said from the photos it appears that the chair & ottoman have been in a spot where they get direct sunlight which will cause fading of the color on leather as well as fabrics. I would not be surprised if the back of the chair is not faded.

Good eye. I think I'll attempt to extract the oil.

I'd pass

Too late :)

That's the "after" picture. I used some Furniture Clinic recoloring balm after using their cleaner and degreaser. I've lost the faded denim color, but the new color is closer to the swatch under the cushion, so hopefully the color will fade out a little over the next couple of years.

I'll add some pictures of the oil removal from the sofa after I complete the job.

Picture is worthless, too dark to see anything.