Anyone into leather? Military items i mean

Some really nice looking leather accountrement sets. I mostly use Pecards myself. The last cartridge box is probably a Mass. National Guard box, and it looks like it holds .45-70 rounds in a wooden block. that is just my guess. It looks like it was a Civil War era box modified for a later era.
 
Don't use olive oil. Salt! There is a formula of Pecards made for antique leather. Do not hang belts, lay them FLAT. Display cap and cartridge boxes and holsters with flaps unsnapped or unbuttoned. Don't use motor oil of ANY kind on leather. Never use an oven to dry leather. Let air dry. There is a lot more but this is 101.
 
Don't use olive oil. Salt! There is a formula of Pecards made for antique leather. Do not hang belts, lay them FLAT. Display cap and cartridge boxes and holsters with flaps unsnapped or unbuttoned. Don't use motor oil of ANY kind on leather. Never use an oven to dry leather. Let air dry. There is a lot more but this is 101.
Percards is an absolute no no, no reputable museum, the NPS or even relic shop recommend it any longer. There are petroleum distillates and ingredients that seal the leather, causing incalculable damage. The aesthetic of Percards was the allure many years ago, but conservators found that it degraded the leather and thread. I've posted on this in other threads and recommendations on what to do from experts of museums all over the world are available.
 
Neatsfoot oil is supposedly fine for NEW leather, but can turn antique leather into a spongy mess - don't use it on pieces like these!
I have used Renaissance Wax for awhile. It really preserves just about everything..wood, metal, leather, ivory and even old books. It is a microcrystalline wax polish used in antique restoration and museum conservation.

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I have used Renaissance Wax for awhile. It really preserves just about everything..wood, metal, leather, ivory and even old books. It is a microcrystalline wax polish used in antique restoration and museum conservation.

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Just don't use Neatsfoot COMPOUND if the stitching is linen thread. It will eat it up. Use 100 Natural. And don't drown it.
 
Just don't use Neatsfoot COMPOUND if the stitching is linen thread. It will eat it up. Use 100 Natural. And don't drown it.
That’s really good advice. I just use the Renaissance wax and it goes a long way. Apply with a clean cloth, let it sit overnight and then lightly buff it the next day.
 
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Ok so I read a lot of what not to do....how about what to do?
Ya I can understand especially if.you knew the cheap NH prices from the 70s as compared to today
Ya NH rocked, Merrimac area, seabrook/Salisbury were terrific as was Hallowell ME... all gone now. The "old sarge" in Merrimac was a great spot
 
Just as an FYI, museums and universities, specifically mention that Renaissance Wax should be avoided. The aesthetics are great, but it has proven to harm antique leather over time.
Dang it. So you just leave and keep it clean and mildew free?
 
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