Gear care question

[JackADriscoll]

I got something I always wanted for a good price one of those union ruggedized cloth packs. Is there a way to restore the cloth and make it less fragile?

 

[FrankN]

Hello, from these photos it looks like it's in pretty decent shape for its age! I don't think I've ever seen anyone discussing a way to treat these. I believe most would say that it's best to leave it as is. Any treatments would ruin its historical value. I have one that I carefully filled with acid free paper and ethafoam for display. How are you planning to display yours? It would be cool to see more photos!

Regards,
Frank

 

[mdk220]

I agree with Frank - let it alone - so tough to fix

 

[johan_steele]

Original or reproduction? If reproduction call Missouri Boot & Shoe and ask what products they suggest for restoration. The leather will require a couple things the painted canvas another.

If it's an original… leave it as is.

 

[JackADriscoll]

It's an original. I will leave it alone. I already filled it with newspaper. It's a Richards 1864. I think I'm going to try to frame it and hand it

 

[Salterr]

If I could suggest just one more thing to help preserve it, it's temperature regulation. When the knapsacks were in surplus they were poorly stored and stacked on top of each other and with the changing temperatures the tar from the canvas would get sticky and then stick to the other knapsacks. Pulling them apart would result in loss of leather or canvas unless properly heated up again and carefully pulled apart. I know you have just this one but it's something to think about if you are handling it. It'll stick to itself so it's best to pad it and frame like you said. It's cool to see a different maker and inspection stamp too. Mine are all marked Valentine, the one you have is in beautiful shape!

 

[JackADriscoll]

Thanks for all the advice especially the leave it alone. Hate to mess up something old

 

[Christian1863]

I got something I always wanted for a good price one of those union ruggedized cloth packs. Is there a way to restore the cloth and make it less fragile?

View attachment 459597

View attachment 459598

I need to figure out how to care for my leather and wool better overall my gear too

 

[JackADriscoll]

Leather that isn't antique I'm a big fan of saddle soap then using that shop polish stuff in the tin.

 

[RedRover]

It's an original. I will leave it alone. I already filled it with newspaper. It's a Richards 1864. I think I'm going to try to frame it and hand it

Newspaper is cheap disposable paper with loads of acids, formaldahyde, etc., and no good for preservation of antiques. the chemicals which yellow and embrittle the paper might affect an antique.

I would recommend stuffing the knapsack, if done, with cotton fabric (cheap), or procure museum style buffered paper tissue.
Gaylord/buffered tissue paper.

These original knapsacks are frequently pretty stiff and brittle due to the composition of the waterproofing. The leather parts might be treated with a leather treatment to prevent further deterioration.

Gaylord/museum leather care.

University: leather restorer

Most of the above are principally marketed for thin leather (the companies can confirm). Some folks prefer to use Pecards' Leather dressing for similar purposes.

Pecard's antique leather dressing.
If you put anything on the leather parts, try not to get it on the thread at the sewing.

 

[Package4]

Newspaper is cheap disposable paper with loads of acids, formaldahyde, etc., and no good for preservation of antiques. the chemicals which yellow and embrittle the paper might affect an antique.

I would recommend stuffing the knapsack, if done, with cotton fabric (cheap), or procure museum style buffered paper tissue.
Gaylord/buffered tissue paper.

These original knapsacks are frequently pretty stiff and brittle due to the composition of the waterproofing. The leather parts might be treated with a leather treatment to prevent further deterioration.

Gaylord/museum leather care.

University: leather restorer

Most of the above are principally marketed for thin leather (the companies can confirm). Some folks prefer to use Pecards' Leather dressing for similar purposes.

Pecard's antique leather dressing.
If you put anything on the leather parts, try not to get it on the thread at the sewing.

No to Pecard's, it was the darling for many years, but it was found to have long term adverse affects on leather. Texas A&M, Smithsonian and the National Park Service recommend against Pecard's and the ingredients it contains. I fell into the Percard trap many years ago and here are the results on a pair of original brogans:

 

[RedRover]

No to Pecard's, it was the darling for many years, but it was found to have long term adverse affects on leather. Texas A&M, Smithsonian and the National Park Service recommend against Pecard's and the ingredients it contains. I fell into the Percard trap many years ago and here are the results on a pair of original brogans:View attachment 463593View attachment 463592

Thanks for the update!