How to prevent ground dug leather from drying and cracking?

[Jean-Loup]

Hi guys

What are the best methods you have used to treat ground dug leather (for example helmet liners) to prevent them from drying, and then cracking? Preferably a method that doesnt leave the leather to shiny, greasy, sticky, smelly, etc.
I have never tried preserving leather before, but I heard someting about vaseline doing the trick.

JL

[Paul R.]

JL, There is nothing that can be done to preserve leather on a ground dug item. I work in the field of conservation for many years. If there was such a silver bullet. A quick potion to use on damaged leather. All museums would be using it for there collections. Some people swear by products such as vaseline, picards leather treatment, ect. Some people that make these outrageous claims (reminds me of snake oils saleman) on treatments that they concocted up to use on leather.
No product will restore leather back to original condition. If fact these treatments may soften a bit, but the chemical itself will damage leather even more. Paul

[Stahlhelm]

I have researched this subject very thoroughly myself as well, since I too have a number of leather and leather-clad items in my collection. I must say that I agree with Paul R. 100%. Sadly enough, there is simply nothing you can do to restore leather. Regardless of the leather's current condition, any leather treatments will not help. Any seemingly effective results from treatments will only be temporary, and accelerated damage will be the only inevitable permanent result. If there really was anything that would work to restore leather, I can assue you that I'd be the first to use it.

Chris

[Jean-Loup]

Guys, that is also my personal theory, which is why I usualy never treat leather.
What about leaving the leather in water 24/7, how do you think that would be on the long term?
And what would be the best way to let the leather dry with minimal cracking?

JL

[Paul R.]

The leather will disolve in time. The water it self can be friend or foe to that leather artifact. I am aware of the work that is being done at most underwater museums. The research conducted on preservation of wood and leather artifacts continues. Some treatments involve a slow drying of leather, and at the same time impregnating these items with a soft polymer chemicals. The polymer attaches to the leather skin cells, and the epidermis to fill them in. Most of the conservators agree that we do not know any long term effects on these items as of yet. The treated leather items can never be handled or used. Yes, there has been some great sucess stories, but some very dismal failures too. One small coin purse from Titanic wreck was about $1,000 to prepair. We still have only theories on the long term condition. This is still a new field of conservation.