Repair on my Indian War frog.

[A. F Medic]

What is this black stuff that was used to repair the frog? It is an old repair and it is not tar.

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[Patrick Chadwick]

What is this black stuff that was used to repair the frog? It is an old repair and it is not tar.

Sniff it. Could be wood tar or pine pitch.

And my fantasy likes the idea of an Indian War Frog - something like a cane toad, but with a feathered headdress and armed?

[old-smithy]

Is it a repair or just the stuff they put on patent leather that has got over heated and old?

[gew8805]

Trapdoor scabbards did not use patent leather frogs, they were standard, black dyed leather with the hair (smooth) side exposed.

Since it appears to have been done by some "person of very little brain" after military service. If it had been done in service, the regimental armorer's workshop or the contractor would have replaced the entire frog. It is hard to tell, even with a hands on examination, what glue was used. It may even be an epoxy sloppily applied making an ineffective butt joint. That being said, the person doing the work was justifiably concerned with the leather breaking at the seam, a common problem, and decided to do it himself. Sadly not an uncommon thing.

[A. F Medic]

Thanks to everybody! That stuff is rock hard but a little flexible. I could try cutting a piece off and burning it to see if I get a odor I recognize. Or a hot pin.

It has been on it for awhile and it could be epoxy. Did not spend that much as I took the condition into consideration. I thought you guys might like to see the repair....