Homemade Holster - WHAT'S INSIDE??

[RobertH]

I got this new toy in the mail today. Some of you might have seen it on eBay. If you did, you're not eligible to play "WHAT'S INSIDE?". Just kidding.
And this might be an easy guess for some of you. There's a great big giant clue in the photo. But I love the holster, I can just picture the owner putting this thing together. And then carrying it. Now I need a belt to go with it. And maybe a period Bowie knife.

Here you go, take your best guess!

 

[RobertH]

 

[RobertH]

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to treat the leather? It's very dry, not ripped anywhere yet but I'd like to help preserve it.
I've used Bickles Leather treatment in the past, but don't know if that's the right thing to do with this holster.

 

[RobertH]

1845 Allen's Patent Pepperbox. It has a layer of black tar like gunk on it, I'm guessing it's just whatever grease they could get their hands on, it got dirty and never got cleaned again. So it just turned into a layer of black gunk. It should clean up nicely. The scroll work seems to be in pretty decent shape under the gunk.

 

[RobertH]

5" barrel (if I'm measuring correctly). And surprised at how heavy it is. I've got a couple other Allen's with shorter barrels but this one has a lot of heft to it.

 

[RobertH]

 

[Bonedaddy]

Can't help you with how to treat the leather but I sure do like the looks of that old pistol! You probably know already to not over clean it. I would just wipe some quality gun oil on it and leave it as is. Enjoy it in good health. Thanks for showing.

 

[UCVRelics]

Nice piece.

 

[JOHN42768]

Agree, don't clean

 

[Pollaco]

Agree on the neats foot but use the real thing. Some neats foot oils have other "additives". But the real thing is out there. Just don't over do it, I'm assuming you want to keep the leather a little stiff and not too soft and pliable.

 

[Pollaco]

There is one out there called Leather Honey that I'd like to try out. I've never used this product ,yet, but think it has some good qualitys. Like most other good leather conditioners on the market. But I kind of doubt it was made with really old leather in mind.

 

[Package4]

Nice piece. I have always used Neatsfoot oil on my leather.

Noooooooooo, not on antique leather, only modern!

 

[UCVRelics]

Noooooooooo, not on antique leather, only modern!

I stand corrected so what do you use on OLD leather?

 

[Copperhead-mi]

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to treat the leather? It's very dry, not ripped anywhere yet but I'd like to help preserve it.

Based on the recommendations of a few different museum employees, I've been using 100% Lanolin oil on my 19th century dried out leather holsters and cartridge pouches. I believe that is what the Smithsonian uses on their leather artifacts, so I've been told.

 

[WJC]

I've had great results using Limmer Boot Grease, suggested by our colleague @copley in a thread a year or so ago. Limmer Boot Grease - Limmer Boot Grease

 

[Pollaco]

I think some boot greases leave the leather kind of limp.I think it was Huberds that I used several years ago. What about the stitching , are you gonna replace that?

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to treat the leather? It's very dry, not ripped anywhere yet but I'd like to help preserve it.
I've used Bickles Leather treatment in the past, but don't know if that's the right thing to do with this holster.

Robert:

I would vote for Rennanisance Wax, used by many conservators.

Do not use neatsfoot oil - it is okay for leather you are using and want to keep supple and somewhat water resistant, but neatsfoor oil will eat old stitching and can damage old leather.

 

[RobertH]

Based on the recommendations of a few different museum employees, I've been using 100% Lanolin oil on my 19th century dried out leather holsters and cartridge pouches. I believe that is what the Smithsonian uses on their leather artifacts, so I've been told.

Thanks, I may try that. Is there a brand you trust? I see 100% Lanolin on amazon and other spots. But always wonder about the fine print.

 

[mofederal]

I was always a fan of Pecard's. I have had good luck with it.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

I am a fan of Pecards, too. They make at least two versions, one for antique leather, which is the one I use.