Submitted by mjohnson on

I'm giving a talk to the US History classes at Gardiner Area High School this week. I've pulled out all my gear after 18 months in storage. Ewe, stinky! Mostly just needs a good airing on the line, and maybe some fresh campfire smoke! Ha ha ha ...

Anyway, some of my waist belt, caps box, scabbard and cartridge box has a dusting of mold on it. I've washed it off with mild soap and water. Does anyone have a recommendation on reconditioning the leather? What is a safe oil I can find locally to apply?

Also, who has decent quality reproductions today? Not looking for top of the line but want to make sure I get something correct and will hold up for another 15 years.

Thanks everyone!

P.S. This does remind me how much I miss reenacting.

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I know what you mean by

I know what you mean by leather mold..I have an 1904 cav saddle that I had an Idea that I was going to restore but havent gotten that far on it....If only I didnt have to work.....anyhoo.. even though I have heard saddle soap is not reccomended I saw having seen saddles that are older than some of us stacked end to end It can't be all bad....since I soaped the hell out of the saddle and goten some leather conditioner the mold has not made another massive assault.
But to go local just find your nearest tack shop.....or a good farmers union/hardwear store......some old duffers that know stuff better than us edumaticated reen....er living historians.
SEamus

Cogito sumere potum alterum

PRIMA NOCTA

saddle soap

Saddle soap is okay but I tend use Kirks Castile Soap. Used to get it in Shaws. Then use a conditioning oil. I use a coconut oil type. I've also used various brands from mink oil to lexoil(spelling).
You need to flex it in slowly and gradually. With the exception of my shoes, I still have all my leather from the early 1980's. (still have the shoes but don't wear them.)
The biggest problem with oils and washing it that if it doesn't dry the threads tend to rot.

Tack shops are the best place to go. There is a feed store right behind Hannifords in Brunswick. There used to be a tack shop right in Topsham just over the I-95 overpass.

Will

Thanks for the advice

I'm actually living in Nobleboro now Will. So I'll check locally. I hope to get these restored some. But may buy a new set anyway. Everything got stored quickly and poorly in the move last summer. But is savable.

Thanks again for the advice fellas!

--
Michael Johnson

-- Michael Johnson