What does cosmoline do to leather?

[finloq]

I picked up this P1907 bayonet for $20.50 because of the scabbard. The scabbard is packed with cosmoline and pretty dang flexible. the metal 'staples' holding the top on are a bit loose as well. I am looking for advice on preserving this old girl.

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[mark1]

cosmoline is a petroleum based product. It will attack the leather and weaken it. The best thing to do is clean it with warm soap and water but do not soak it. Use a cloth and wipe it down. Let it dry and apply Pecards leather treatment. You will need to several application. But if it was soaked in cosmoline, it may be past restoration.