NO.32 scope covers.

[newcastle]

Quick vaguely OT question regarding the leather scope covers. One of the ones I have CONSTANTLY gets a covering of what looks like light green mould all over it. I can wipe it off but it returns. I can't keep it on the scope or in the Fabric carrying case because of it. Anyone else seen this and have any ideas to solve it? Other leather items stored in safe and zero issues with them - just this one.

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[Peter Laidler]

I think that this is verdegris (spelling?) that isn't in the leather but is a chemical action between the leather preservatives and the brass. Most common on the front shade - unless yopu've still got a rear shade fitted too, then you get it from both ends if you'll excuse the phrase!

[newcastle]

I thougth that too but it' snot just around teh brass paiced it's all over and is definitley a fungus / mold type of thing.
Migth have to try baking it to try it out completely.

[Brian Dick]

Get some Pecard's antique leather dressing and treat the leather with a good coat. It'll help stop it. If you live near the ocean it's a common thing, especially in Winter.

[Surpmil]

Another option is simply to leave the caps off when the rifle is in storage. I have a feeling that wax(?) that was used on the early caps without the retaining loop may be a factor in this.

[Simon]

I used to get the problem in my old gunroom. I don't recall who, but I'm sure it was someone on this forum, told me that they cut out circular pieces of grease proof paper and place them between the lense cap and the scope.

I could just be that the Gunroom in my new place has better humidity and temp control but I don't have the problem anymore.

Cheers,

Simon

[Brit plumber]

I get the same on my leather rifle slings and on the bayonet scabbards, it wipes off easily unless its left to long and then it gets right into leather and wrecks the finish. As said you can get chemical addatives for the leather, or try as I've done, and get some silica gel packs ( I wasn't sure how the chemicals would affect the steel around it), they are a good idea to leave around any way as they attract the moisture. I'm using packs that are for Rolls Royce aero engines and they are about 3" x 6" long and work a treat.

A quick search on what Peter calls 'That auction site' came up with this straight away, same as what I have (My bags came out of a RR aero Engine egg so cant vouch for the seller)

Lge 250 Gram Pack of Silica Gel Crystals Ideal for Gun Cabinets (Ex NATO Stock) | eBay

p.s. For those of you who are aviation enthusiasts, dont worry, the egg had no engine it