russia, n. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

russia n.

[made of Russia leather, a durable leather often used in bookbinding]

(UK Und.) a pocket-book.

1877		Five Years’ Penal Servitude 243: I opened the swell’s russia, took out the sweet little flimsies, and stowed them safe.
1891		F.W. Carew Autobiog. of a Gipsey 412: You sonnied the bloke as tharied you jest as the rattler was startin’? Rowland’s his name and a dead nark he is [...] Thought I was going to touch for your thimble or russia.
1899		Manchester Eve. News 4 Aug. 5/4: A Russia....a Pocket book.
1904		Indianapolis Jrnl (IN) 28 Feb. 3/3: ‘Russia’ is a pocketbook.