Leather Restoration Question

wesheltonj

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So, I was cleaning out my Aunts house and found my grandfathers leather shotgun case for his Parker Shotgun. I have no idea about the brand of the case. The case had dust and mildew on the outside. I have used Saddle Soap four times trying to clean it up. Each time some the the stain comes off.

I am hopefully that this case can be restored, so that I can use it with the above Parker Shotgun and not just be in a different corner (my house instead) gathering dust again like it did for the past 70 years.

Any suggestions on how to restore the leather? Or any suggestions on who can restore the leather?
 

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Ok, just chatted with a friend who's big into horses and deals with a lot of tack. Here's what she said:

Saddle soap has glycerin so it won't kill mildew,it'll make it worse. He needs to clean and dry it really well with water and Lexol Cleaner or similar, only use each cloth on one area to avoid spreading it, leave it in strong sunlight sun or under a UV light for a day minimum to knock the mold back, then apply a biocide. There are special products for removing mold from leather like removing mold from leather but people also use rubbing alcohol (1:1) with water, bleach, vinegar and coca cola too. I'd go with Effax Mildew Free for Leather or Leather Master Mold Remover personally. then condition with tallow, not oil if possible. He'll have to clean it with that consistently for ever pretty much, once the mold is in there it tends to come back.
 
A mild diluted solution of oxalic acid should clean up any mildew stains on the leather. It will also remove any old protective sheens they may have used. It will need a couple of good coats of protectant anyway afterwards. Use a cream or wax based leather conditioner on a case; it will help it hold its shape. Oil based protectants are better for leather you want a soft or flimsy feel in.
 
I've used Obenauf's solid (paste) on my boots for years. A couple years ago, I got some of the liquid and used it on an old leather jacket. It made it look and feel better than new. It made the leather darker and richer looking and a great feel to it after the liquid soaked it. Great stuff!

upload_2020-4-25_15-50-59.png
 
So, I was cleaning out my Aunts house and found my grandfathers leather shotgun case for his Parker Shotgun. I have no idea about the brand of the case. The case had dust and mildew on the outside. I have used Saddle Soap four times trying to clean it up. Each time some the the stain comes off.

I am hopefully that this case can be restored, so that I can use it with the above Parker Shotgun and not just be in a different corner (my house instead) gathering dust again like it did for the past 70 years.

Any suggestions on how to restore the leather? Or any suggestions on who can restore the leather?
Is this a leg of mutton style case or a hinged luggage case? If the latter, a couple of companies offer restoration services (for a price). If the first, you are likely on your own. As noted, you need to completely eliminate the mildew before using oils or wax.
 
Is this a leg of mutton style case or a hinged luggage case? If the latter, a couple of companies offer restoration services (for a price). If the first, you are likely on your own. As noted, you need to completely eliminate the mildew before using oils or wax.

Leg of Mutton style. The gun is a 106 years old, and the case looks about the same age.
 
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Here is another option for leather cleaning and restoring. It was recommended by the people at our western store they said it is the best leather product.
I used it on my leather jacket and a leather chair that needed some work. Worked great for me.
9A9B388D-7DBF-4EBE-8B3D-1607B80E7BC1.jpeg
 
I use Saphir products for all my leather care .. from shoes to jackets and upholstery... Their products considered to be the best in the world . Web site is www.saphir.com .
They seem to have a product for all your needs ..
 
Whatever you use, make sure it has all natural ingredients. Some of these suggestions are ok for chrome tanned leather, which is what most new leather is.

Your leather isn't chrome tanned if it's old, and should be treated with all natural ingredients. Anything with glycerine or silicone should be avoided completely. That's why I suggested the Sedgwick's, it's all natural and will help heal the leather. Chemicals won't do that, and will destroy the fibers in the leather, which will cause it to break.

For cleaning, ONLY use a fragrance free natural Castile soap. I've used this technique along with the Sedgwick's on old Swiss backpacks and haven't had any issues. I used Lexol on the first one and the straps broke not long after. They were completely dry inside, it didn't penetrate into the leather at all. Lexol is great for modern car seats, but I wouldn't recommend it for antique leather at all.

Keep in mind the differences between the vegetable/brain tanned leather and the modern chrome tanned leather. They need different care techniques.
 
So, I was cleaning out my Aunts house and found my grandfathers leather shotgun case for his Parker Shotgun. I have no idea about the brand of the case. The case had dust and mildew on the outside. I have used Saddle Soap four times trying to clean it up. Each time some the the stain comes off.

I am hopefully that this case can be restored, so that I can use it with the above Parker Shotgun and not just be in a different corner (my house instead) gathering dust again like it did for the past 70 years.

Any suggestions on how to restore the leather? Or any suggestions on who can restore the leather?

Well I have the case somewhat cleaned up. I have also found someone who actually restores these cases. Sent him some photos and will see if worth restoring, or will be just another dust collector.
IMG_2221.JPG
 
Looking at the picture, I would say it’s in pretty good shape. There is no reason you cannot do everything that needs done by yourself. The only thing I can about bet for sure is the old linen thread is probably dry rotted. It will hold until it doesn’t. If it comes apart stitch it back together. If you need any details on how to get it working ready feel free to pm me. I have been building custom saddles for 28 years; my family hung up their first shingle that said saddle shop in 1922. I have a mediocre understanding of how leather works, but one day I will figure it out.
 
Leg of Mutton style. The gun is a 106 years old, and the case looks about the same age.

white vinegar removes mold and mildew from vintage leather. Since it’s a mild acid, you then should deactivate it with another product, lexol works well.

finally, for a leg of mutton case or any vintage leather that is dry rotting a bit, use Pecard Vintage Leather Dressing and buff to a shine after it saturates a bit. (It’s like Vaseline)

I’ve had good luck with this treatment many times on mutton cases and oak and leather cases.

if it’s really dry rotted, I’ll do this several times on any leather hinge points and put the item in the warm sun to reconstitute the leather for many days before bending those points on the leather. The fibers are dry, but not broken until they get manipulated. If you can rehydrate the leather it can save the fibers.

you now know everything I do about vintage leather care and restoration.
 

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