Dry leather restoration

[Socalal]

Just picked up a 50s California Sportswear "Californian" steerhide A-2 type. It's in nice condition except the leather is very dry.
Suggestions on what to use most appreciated!

 

[mulceber]

I was always advised by both Vic and JC to use vaseline (very sparingly - you can always do another coat). I've used it several times, and it's always worked well.

 

[Dany McDonald]

What do mean by very dry?

Can you post an image?

Restoring dry (very) leather is not an easy task.

D

 

[Socalal]

What do mean by very dry?

Can you post an image?

Restoring dry (very) leather is not an easy task.

D

Just added pictures, thanks.

 

[mulceber]

Looks like it's still in good shape, it's just seen a lot of wear. Some treatment would be good.

 

[Dany McDonald]

It doesn't look like its peeling of flaking, which is very good but its still on the dry side, so just Vaseline will not do it in my opinion. You will have to re-incorporate oils into the skin.

Personally, with such a nice coat I would go with a professional or museum quality product, that will not darken the surface and actually feed the skin with proper oils that will stabilize the leather for ages.

See here:

Leather Dressing Preservative & Restorer

Leather preservative cream for application on leather books and furniture to rejuvenate, restore and preserve.

www.preservationequipment.com

or

Leather Rejuvenator

Leather Rejuvenator is a strong leather conditioner developed for treating extremely dry or water damaged leather. Stiff, damaged and antique leather must be treated carefully using the correct products. Leather Rejuvenator is a conditioner that provides the essential oils lost in the leather...

preservation-solutions.com

Hope this helps

D

 

[Dumpster D]

I'd leave it, it's got a perfect vintage patina!! Any Leather Sauce will probably darken it.