WWII Leather gear.....

[Adam Helmer]

It always amazes me how folks never give a thought to preserving military leather gear. Last Saturday there was a big yard sale nearby of a deceaded WWII veteran's leather gear. There were M1916 .45 holsters and a pile of M1907 rifle slings-all were BEYOND economic repair. The dry rotted, DRY leather cracked when a sling or holster flap was handled. I am surprised a WWII veteran did not know the Old Army Manual required monthly application of saddle soap to remove dirt and application of neatsfoot oil to preserve leather.

I told the seller that the only value was the brass hardware on the slings. To rebuild a M1907 sling with the brass hardware would be about $30 per sling predicated on an estimate from the local leather shop.

Use neatsfoot oil while there is yet time if you have old leather. Several LIGHT applications are better than one heavy application.

Adam

[Gil Martin]

I also use mink oil to make leather supple and provide protection. All the best...
Gil