How can I treat this leather case?

[Sirius Glass]

Recommendations please:

 

[Svenedin]

The surface finish is falling off and the leather looks very dry which is going to mean that hinge is at risk of falling apart. Personally I'd use neatsfoot oil and let it soak in to try to restore some suppleness to the fragile leather. It will darken the leather and may need more than one application. After the neatsfoot I'd just use a high quality shoe polish to improve the surface appearance. Kiwi Parade Gloss (genuine turpentine base) is my favourite (for my shoes too).

 

[Truzi]

There is something similar to neatsfoot oil that is made for lighter leathers and allegedly won't darken them. I'll try to remember to check out the bottle when I get home and get you the name. I've not used it yet, though, but bought it for leathers similar to what you have posted.

 

[mgb74]

I remember a lengthy discussion about this a while back. Apparently the neatsfoot oil today isn't the same as it was a while ago.

Bottom line, what was recommended was some special and expensive concoction used by book restorers.

 

[Helios 1984]

What about mink or dubbin oil? I've been using this stuff on my winter boots for years, it keeps the leather flexible. It will darken it a little bit thaught.

 

[Svenedin]

It’s true that neatsfoot oil will darken the case from its appearance now but the oil will dry to an extent so the darkening is not as dramatic as it first appears. Also the current appearance is probably lighter than when originally made due to drying out and fading.

 

[mshchem]

Sno Seal. It's an old wax/bees wax boot dressing. It's great stuff. Used to be hard to find backpacking stuff. Now it's everywhere.

 

[Truzi]

There is something similar to neatsfoot oil that is made for lighter leathers and allegedly won't darken them. I'll try to remember to check out the bottle when I get home and get you the name. I've not used it yet, though, but bought it for leathers similar to what you have posted.

Found it - Lexol NF Leather Dressing. I've not used it yet, but bought it for the same purposes you mention.

If the piece is strong and you're just trying to keep it functional, the oil should be fine.
If the leather is weak or thin you may also find someone who can remove the rivets and put a reinforcement behind the leather to take the load. That would be more important if you were trying to preserve the aesthetics of a weak piece.

 

[rorye]

Restoration Leather Conditioner is pretty great stuff-
https://www.preservation-solutions.com/antique_leather/

 

[wyofilm]

I use Fiebing's saddle oil on my saddles. Great oil. It will darken the leather. Leather looks pretty dry which puts that hinge at risk. Keep in mind that too much oil will weaken leather, too. You will know the right amount of whichever oil you choose if you apply multiple applications without slopping it on. You will see just how thirsty the leather is. When the oil stops going in easily, I would think about stopping.

 

[guangong]

I buy nearsfoott oil at the local farm store and have used it successfully to restore old prewar camera cases, dried out horse leads boots and all kinds of dried out leather goods. It does darken the color of the leather especially where scuffed, but so what? At least th item is usable again. I apply generously to really dry items, let it soak in and then apply lightly a couple days later.

 

[craigclu]

Leather Honey will put moisture back without changing the appearance very much. It's very versatile and works well on everything from shoes to leather furniture and car interiors.

http://tinyurl.com/y8okdbey

 

[GRHazelton]

Good thread! The case for my new-to-me Minolta Autocord L needs a lot of TLC. First Lexol or such, then removing the old stitching, and re-stitching. Anyone have advice on the re-stitching?

 

[Dennis-B]

Good thread! The case for my new-to-me Minolta Autocord L needs a lot of TLC. First Lexol or such, then removing the old stitching, and re-stitching. Anyone have advice on the re-stitching?

Usually a leather shop specializing in belts, etc., is a good source. I've also had repairs done at a local shoe repair shop, and they've also done a great job. My wife owns a 45-year old hand-tooled purse, and they completely refurbished it, including repairing the stitching. Those repairs are invisible.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I treated the hinges and straps with Neetsfoot oil once. It did not make it wonderful, but I expected that. Would it be a good idea to treat them again several times several days apart?

 

[GRHazelton]

My Minolta Autocord case has "velvet" lining. Will Lexol discolor this? Would any residue harm the camera? Or should I try to avoid any overspray by applying the Lexol to a clean cloth and using that to apply the Lexol.