Leather Treatment, NOS USGI M1907 Slings

[Jay Johnson]

Picked up 2 NOS USGI M1907 slings that were still in their original packaging, one marked MRT 10-86 and the other is unmarked but it's packing slip is dated 7-66. The leather is dyed on one side, but not sealed, and both appear to not have been touched/handled since they were put into clear plastic packaging bags.

How should I treat these slings? I have some clear (kinda milky-white) Danner boot dressing and some Bee Seal Plus boot protector that's yellowish in color, both wax based products I believe, is that the way to go? Also, looking at the picture below you can see one of the slings, the MRT 10-86 marked one, is rougher on its backside then the other, what's the best way to smooth it out like the other sling, can it be smoothed out w/o shredding the leather?

TIA for your advise.

[Clark Howard]

Go to the local tack shop and get some neats foot oil. It will nourish the leather and make it flexible and supple. Regards, Clark

[Bill E]

Pecards, a company that sells leather treatment products, may have something that will meet you needs.

[Herschel]

Pecards Antique leather dressing usually gets lots of recommendations when this topic comes up. It is is like vaseline in consistency.

[StockDoc]

I actually have a can of "Pecards Neats Foot Oil" that my dad bought in the 50's still use it from the same can. Good stuff lasts for ever.

[Jay Johnson]

Go to the local tack shop and get some neats foot oil. Regards, Clark

So treat it like a baseball mitt, I have some neats foot oil. Thanks, Clark.

Anyone know if there's a way to knock-down/smooth-up that rough hyde?

[tmark]

Neats foot oil is good but I've read that if you carry that rifle on your shoulder, the oil may leave a mark on your clothing. I've used liquid silicon on my leather slings with success. I also tried Thompson's weather seal on some. Big mistake. Over time, they tended to get moldy.

[dave]

Some people claim neats food oil is bad for leather over time. I used to use it but switched to Pecards Antique leather dressing. The Neats Foot tends to bleed out and form a white waxey substance on some of my slings. does not seem to be harmfull but don't look good.
Leather shops and there is a mail order company, sell a tool to "burnish" leather which seems yo have been done to one of yours, the other is really "fuzzy" tho, so some other process may have to done first.

[PhillipM]

I'd ask Richard. http://www.jouster.com/forums/member...urner-Saddlery

[Chaz]

I once used neetsfoot on new repro slings and they are forever oily/greasy. I've scrubbed them with saddle soap but they are still oily. Now, I only use Pecard's on vintage slings. It "nourishes" the fibers without making them greasy. But it's your call.