1907 Wilkinson bayonet scabbard

[baltimoreed]

Picked up a decent 1907 Wilkinson Enfield bayonet for my 1942 Mk3 at the show in Louisville last Saturday and am wondering about the best way to preserve the black leather scabbard. It’s kinda rough so I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be that rough or smooth like finished leather. Thinking it needs something on it. Also found a nice US army officers service cap that felt so good that I had to buy it. I look good in it too. Was actually looking for a 1917 Eddystone but the few that I saw were the wrong makers, .303, too rough or too pricey. Pictures tomorrow.

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[Flying10uk]

Different people have different ideas about what to put on leather but, generally, for a leather scabbard, what works for me, if the leather is dry, is a coat of neats-foot followed by an off the shelf leather treatment from the saddle shop. I would suggest not applying too much leather treatment or one risks damaging the leather permanently.

[browningautorifle]

Different people have different ideas about what to put on leather

Yes, you're going to get the phone book once they see this post. It can get quite heated too... I can agree with using something for saddles, they too can be expensive and people wouldn't take the chance of damage.

[CINDERS]

I use Balistol on mine have for years could use Dubbin I did that for a while.
A word of caution always insert the bayonet into the scabbard in the vertical plane do it horizontally and if the scabbard is soft and bows you'll just drag the bayonet point along the inside of the scabbard eventually making it hard to insert the bayonet as scrapings and damage build up inside.
Told to me by a WWII armourer.

[jamie5070]

Some people use to recommend a product called something like "Picards". It is supposedly used by a lot of museums.

[baltimoreed]

Wouldn’t black kiwi [or any quality shoe or boot polish] work? I also need to find a leather frog.

[Flying10uk]

I also need to find a leather frog.

Why leather? Why not a webbing frog?

[baltimoreed]

Did some research and you’re right. Webbing would be ok too. I’ll have to see what British gear I can find. I prefer the older yellowed U.S. Mills gear.