learther restoration

[John A Stuart]

Hi All, I have just come into possession of the leather cover for the tsuka that is used in inclement weather, wwII vintage. I may try and get copies made from this template so to speak. What I am hoping is someone may know how to rehydrate a blackened and dessicated portion of the original. I have applied mink oil to stop further degradation. Is there a solvent/oil combo that would work? I remember reading an archeology article where body lotion was used. Comments, ideas and opinion needed. John

[aeguy]

http://www.watchpolishing.com/leatherguide.htm

 

Hi John!

 

I've run across the same problem from time-to-time, and really haven't found a, "one-size fits all" answer/solution. Sorry. However, I did find the above link and thought you might find it useful and informative. I hope it helps. Bye for now....

 

p.s. Have you also considered using pure lanolin? Just a thought. :D

 

Best Regards,

[John A Stuart]

Hi Andy, I might give reveal a try. Thanks, John

[Brian]

In SA, the militaria guys use Dubbin on old WW2 holsters and leather bandoliers. Get it from the shoe shops. Beeswax with other additives I think?

Works quite well in moderation. Makes the leather supple and rehydrates.

I use it myself on old holsters, and have had some success. I think the old leather shoe rejuvinators might be the way to go on this, but would approach that method with caution as always.

 

Brian

[John A Stuart]

Hi Brian, Thanks, I have dubbin, rather common here. I would never have suspected it was common there. Type of weather and all that. Funny when I was in the military everything was Nato stuff. Regular old spit shine on dress boots and for combat boots we had small tins of liquid silicone with a cotton dauber. While this thread is fresh, I wonder if anyone would be interested in these protective covers if I had some of our fur people copy them in moose or deer or even cowhide? The fur business is sporadic and some other work could be possible. John