doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Conserving a canvas/leather gun case

Not a double gun, but I am asking because of the knowledge on this board. I was given a nice little Wincheseter Model 1906 pump .22 made in 1910, and it came broken down in a very handy little canvas and leather case from Abercrombie and Fitch. The canvas needs cleaning and the leather is dry and cracked. Any guidelines or tips for cleaning, stabilizing and rejuvenating this little gem?

Bill,

For the leather bits nothing beats Pecard antique leather dressing. It's good enough for the smithonian's leather goods and I can't believe how well it brings back old cracked leather. Good Luck,
Michael

Is it one of the cases with 2 seperate compartments, attached along one side? I love those little cases, they're great for takedown .22's lever guns and sometimes doubles if long enough. I have an A&F with a side compartment that will hold 28" bbls and another no-name that has a shorter barrel compartment. My Marlin 39 and Win 61 make use of it.

The A&F came from a tag sale. No matter what I've tried, once the leather is cracked, it's a crap shoot as to whether it can be brought back. I have tried everything, all sorts of oils, pastes, waxes, etc. The handle on my A&F was cracking above the rivets that hold it to the canvas. I judiciously applied Pecards leather dressing and thought it might survive. I picked it up too fast one day and the handle came off, luckily the gun was OK. The leather straps and buckles were all cracked, they seem to have softened up a little but it's not very servicable. I suppose I could cut and stitch new pieces and perhaps I will some cold night but to have a cobbler do it wouldn't be cost effective.

The other drawback is sometimes the canvas is beginning to rot and won't hold stitches. I don't know how you would clean the canvas without affecting the leather.

My other one was in better condition, minor cracking, it softened up nicely and is very servicable

These come up on eBay all the time and can be $30-50 if in good condition.

Rob: Yes, it has a barrel compartment and a stock compartment with a little pouch on the side to hold a jointed cleaning rod. They are sewn together the long way with integral handle. The leather gusset that holds the buckle on the barrel compartment is stamped 06, but I am not sure if that corresponds to the Winchester being a 1906 or not. Very neat cases indeed. The label says Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 53-57 West 36th St. New York.

I am afraid that unfortunately once the leather is in that condition, there isn't much that you can ever do to restore it. Pecard's is wonderful stuff, great for boots as it is of thicker consistency than most other stuff. If you want to try it, warm it slightly by putting in the sun (or in a colder climate, on your car's dashboard on a sunny day). Keep the stuff off the canvas. A saddlemaker might be willing to replace the leather parts but it may not be worth the expense.

I suggest going to a saddle forum. I saw one somewhere try Google or Dogpile. They advised using Olive oil. Really rejunivated some old saddles I have. Also some Bick 4 Leather Conditioner from Bickmore. My saddles weren't cracked but it wouldn't have been long before they were.

Rob,
I have two leg o'mutton cases I picked up cheap. Both needed strap work. Someone on this board recommended a tack shop. I took it to my local pony supply place and voila! Fixed very cheaply. Jeff's Outfitters and Galazan carry spare parts, handles etc.I'm sure there is a tack shop near you.
Frank

A ratty leg-o-mutton came with my 1899 Francotte and our shoemaker had just the ticket to make it look and feel like new: a no-name black plastic bottle containing eight ounces of "Leather Renew, Conditions and Softens Dry Aged Leathers." No maker, no country of origin, maybe a shoemaker's potion.

John Lobb cream for fine leather.

HV Frank, down here in Westchester the saddle tack shops are more expensive than the gunsmiths! I might give one a call though, thanks for the tip.

Bill, mine is stamped 658 30, 30 being the max barrel length it will hold. Has an A&F embossed in gold on the leather muzzle cap.