-
Relic or Restoration?
Do you recommend restoring a WW2 German Parade belt, it is currently very stiff, the end metal piece is rusty, and is quite fragile. I was planning on adding some olive oil to the back of the belt to soften it, as well as some leather butter or shoe polish on the front it give it a shine. The front however is very cracked, and little of the lacquer is in good condition, what should I do?
-
02-18-2018 10:53 PM
# ADS
Circuit advertisement
-
On close inspection, the coating is what looks to be Tar...odd...
-
Softening the leather to prevent it cracking in future might be a good move. I wouldn't go into restoration territory myself. When you start messing with things that way, they lose some of their originality.
B.B.
-
by
BrodieBartfast
Softening the leather to prevent it cracking in future might be a good move. I wouldn't go into restoration territory myself. When you start messing with things that way, they lose some of their originality.
B.B.
Fair enough- how would I go about softening the leather? Olive oil? The leather strap with the holes in is also about to fall off as the threads holding it on have came undone? Should I leave this be or use some double sided tape just to hold it on and stop further damage (This could be removed afterwards).
-
I wouldn't know the specific methods, but there are safe ways to go about it. I believe the process is referred to as 'nourishing'.
There are specialist chemicals designed for it. You'd have to look into it, though. I'm by no means an expert.
B.B.
-
The finish on these was that of a high gloss "Patent leather". Often this finish does not survive well over the 80 odd years since it was made.
I would not advise doing anything to it.
Had good advice? Saved money? Why not become a Gold Club Member, just hit the green "Join WRF Club" tab at the top of the page and help support the forum!
Bookmarks