[Milsurplus] Leather cleaning

[Michael Tauson]

On Thu, Dec 24, 2009 at 12:04 PM, Hue Miller <kargo_cult at msn.com> wrote:
> Not painting, but dealing with aged leather:  I had been reading and asking
> questions about leather treatments, with an idea to do some treatment to BG-71
> p/o SCR-194/195 aka BC-222/322. And also a Japanese backpack battery bag -
> in both cases, very dried out and cracked leather.  However, a couple timely
> recent articles in "Military Trader" disuaded me entirely. It seems that ANY leather
> treatment in the long run will degrade the leather. So I suppose some of these
> items must remain as 'display only, as-is' status. FYI, this advice was supported
> by professional conservators.

Until I moved here in 2000, I had a leather brief case made sometime
in the 1920s that was used almost daily for the 25 years or so that I
owned it.  The only deterioration was the bumps and scars from 80
years of faithful service to its several owners.  Even the original
flap straps and buckles were original and solid.  The only thing I
ever had to do was repair the stitching once and even that wasn't a
major repair.  It was maintained through periodic cleaning and
waterproofing, a practice I have no doubt the current owner has
continued.

For dried out and/or cracked leather, I heartily agree that no attempt
at cleaning,or using should be made.  On the other hand, leather that
is still soft and supple is still "alive", as one boot maker I knew
called it, and can still be treated and handled safely.  The leather I
want to treat is most decidedly still quite alive.

Best regards,

Michael, WH7HG
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