Webley MkVI in leather holster

[Patrick Chadwick]

This is a copy of a post on the British Militaria Forum The pictures are not displayed on that forum, so I hope that they will be visible here and somebody can answer my questions.

Up to now I have only seen Webleys in the canvas holsters. But I have just acquired a 1918 Mark VI. Number 102xxx, with "SOS" arrows and BNP civilian proof marks.

Attachment 25231

Obviously "low mileage", in perfect shooting condition, no wobbles, shakes or grinds, and with a fading blue finish rubbed in the places one would expect.

Attachment 25235

If you can't read the markings, that is because of my poor photography - they are all there, crisp and clear.

And it came packed in this:

Attachment 25232

Which I presume to be a military holster, as it has a square buckle on the back (can someone please tell me what that is for)

Attachment 25233

and a little brass lug on a side flap at the front,

Attachment 25234

which I can only assume is for the lanyard. Could someone please post a photo of the correct lanyard, and reveal how it was fixed so that it did not slip off the lug? Or is the square buckle for the lanyard? In which case, what is the purpose of this lug?

And finally - the leather is supple, but the original black surface finish has cracked and softened to the point where it comes off if you merely brush it with a fingernail. How can I preserve the leather? - I want to shoot the revolver, not keep it in a showcase! I would appreciate any advice based on long-term personal experience. I say long-term because what I have found on the forums varies from "do nothing at all" to complexe soaking and drying recipes, and some of that may be quick fixes that harm the leather over a long period.

Does the black finish give any clue as to the service use of this revolver? There are no regimental markings. Was it perhaps accepted by the army and then quickly sold out of service as surplus at the end of WW1?

Thanks for any information and advice!

Patrick

Information

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[gsimmons]

Hello,Patrick
Try looking on karkeeweb.com under officer equipments. They have set displays which show how the loop and hook were used. The lanyard went around your neck. Hope this helps a little. Nice set by the way!

[browningautorifle]

The brass hook engaged in the Sam Browne belt hole to keep the holster from sliding on the belt. The square buckle was for the shoulder strap to help support the weight of the whole affair. Remember these were worn up, not down on the hips.

[Amatikulu]

As gsimmons suggested - here's the link with the explanation that you need http://www.karkeeweb.com/patterns/of...po_pistol.html

[browningautorifle]

So...what was wrong with my explanation?

[Amatikulu]

Nothing, timing of our postings - you were doing yours while I was doing mine - and I was slower than you

[jmoore]

As for preserving the holster, try contacting "saddler". He knows leather.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Thanks to all for these very enlightening replies!
Just two questions remaining: does the black coloring give any clue as to the service use? And should I treat the leather, or leave it alone?

Patrick

[jmoore]

I PM'd saddler, but in the meantime I found this discussion regarding leather care:

Restoration of leather slings

It doesn't directly deal with the retention of the black dressing, except in the last post. ( I forgot to mention your flaky finish in my PM, but maybe he'll have some ideas.) I have a feeling that there not much to be done for it outside of what's discussed in the other thread though. But I'd like to be proven wrong!

[Patrick Chadwick]

Many thanks jmoore! That is precisely the thread that stuck in my memory as having caused me worry and confusion. From it I deduce 1) no neatsfoot oil - but surely that is animal-derived oil? Or does it have dubious additives? 2) No petroleum-based components - fine, if manufacturers would only come clean as to what they use in these brews. One may assume that the competition has long ago analysed the product, so the reticence is probably in order to keep the buyer unaware. - My suspicion with regard to many such products is that if buyers knew exactly what was involved, they would realise that they could makes up gallons of the stuff for a fraction of the price!

So how about the Flexolan?

Patrick