M1 Restoration of old dried up Leather (Bayonets & Slings)

[imntxs554]

cThe National WWII Museum | New Orleans: Give: Preservation of Artifacts Bayonets and Slings

I was searching for a good way to keep the Bayonet Leather Handle from getting worse than what it looks likes right now.

Basic Preservation of Leather Artifacts

Leather is indeed a difficult item to preserve; care should be taken to store in medium humidity and moderate temperature. Generally speaking, storing it inside your home is suitable.

Avoid displaying leather items in direct sunlight or bright light. If the leather is dirty or moldy, clean it with saddle soap.Allow the item to dry in the shade.If the item feels overly dry or stiff, you may wish to oil it with neat’s-foot oil. Be sure to use only pure neat’s-foot oil, not neat’s-foot compound, which contains petroleum byproducts. Never use petroleum products (or anything that does not list its ingredients) on your leather. Anything that is put on leather is there to stay--beware of creating problems.Most leather will stiffen over time; this is generally not a problem, as historic items should not be used. Take time now, while the leather is pliable, to support the item in a displayable manner.....


Frank

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