Army Signals Pack, Cool Find

[Jeremy92]

Well I was "window shopping" at one of the most expensive antique malls in the poconos when I spotted this. At first I thought it was just an army backpack in worn condition, but the number two on it caught my interest. So after some haggling I got it for $50. After a long google seach, (I have no tornister books as I do not collect them), I have come to the conclusion that this is an army signals tornister. Most of the leather is nice, but the straps on the front arent so swell, two small ones are missing the other two are "aged". I am posting to share my cool find, and to ask a few questions. First off, am I correct in saying this is an army signals tornister? Is there any thing I can use to preserve/enhance the leather, like saddlesoap or should I leave it alone? Lastly, what is it worth in this rough condition?
Thanks all

[corporalSteiner]

hi there
im no expert, but this is one of the 1 2 3 signals backpacks...
preserving leather is a thorny subject...many members would shriek like arachnophobics at a spider convention to see someone apply lederfat or polish to orignal heer hide...if you must, go for it, but this action may lead to value depreciation and tut tutting from the shadows....
worth? well, condition-wise it seems a little time-weary, hardy, though tragically damaged...i think you probably paid a fair price for it, give or take ten bucks...
that done, how did this item make it to the states? there in the answer surely lies something worth keeping.

[pzrwest]

My opinion is to leave it alone, one leather starts to rot nothing will bring it back to original

[CWP]

I agree, just leave it alone.