Don! Jerry likes lanolin, ergo "I" like it too.:evilgrin: Don't use that stuff! It's for nursing Mothers..well, come to think of it ...might soften things up just right. I bought a tub of it a year ago. It's a little thick and sticky for the way I use lanolin. Very condensed. Hard at room temperature..or at least solid. The Connolly's Hide Care has a more useable consistancy for me although I am sure I could adapt. I used my tub by mixing it with a half jar of Connolly's. It stiffened that up too! A little heat makes it softer. But either one a little goes a long way!

Depending upon the fiber blend in the socks, they could attract moisture and provide a matrix for mold to grow upon. Old used socks could come with their old mold source.

I have heard of using wooden blocks or crumpled unprinted newsprint (wrapping paper) to fill spaces in holsters to help them hold their shapes.

I have been storing some of my holsters in plastic shoe box size containers without problems, but don't know if this is recommended or causes risks. I don't keep desiccant in the boxes because I don't want to dry out the leather itself.

I have used a single application of Lexol on very dry leather to help clean and restore it without softening it. Again, I don't know if this is recommended or not.

Rubbermaid Debby while I was in rehab hospital gathered my lugers and leather into 2 blue rubbermade containers. While a trip to visit her sister in Boca a washer line broke flooding out half our home including my luger room! 6-8 inches. Thank God all was safe in the containers. I suggest you purchase a few for your closet~

I bought some, too--but not enough! It has relaxed several leather things for me that were stiff as boards. A little warmth seems to help its absorption/penetration. Rub a dab into your hands before bedtime and you will not be disappointed.

Don,

That's not just your opinion. Those are facts!!! It doesn't matter what you put on your holster to treat them. The most important thing is to keep them where the temperature and humidity are mild. Your figures are spot on.

Matt:cool:

Has anyone else tried Bick 4? I don't know what is in it but a small amount seemed to work well for me. Doesn't darkened the leather.
http://bickmore.com/?product=bickmore-bick-4

At one time, years ago, I did use Pecards occasionally. Then after penalty of death by Jerry I started using Connolys. I have many holsters and this stuff is great. Not sure why anyone would use anything else. And yes Jerry I now only use Pecards on my boots where it belongs. Bill

"Penalty of death" LOL Bill, you slay me. I blew my coffee out my nose when I read your post. :thumbsup:

By the way, I use Connolly's for my historic holsters. That seems to be the consensus of opinion here.

I also use a beeswax product called Sno-Seal on some of my modern holsters.

I believe two factors in common, heat and humidity. Are there records of what care was used for care in the Imperial or Weimer periods. What ever they used, I have hundred year old holsters that are in beautiful shape. Others, those in the trenches show wear as do my artillerys and early war. The finest is my Krieghoff which no doubt was owned by an officer who I assume had the most pride. I find them all fascinating and hold my idol Jerry Burney our historical leather hero! God I luv the history and the rare privaledge to hold in my hands and actually own and become care giver for those who will inherit my luger dreams! Each has survived many owners and war. What faired better the guns or their holsters, I wonder! PS Happy 4th!

I use a two step process for leather belts and holsters that are new acquisitions. Many of my new stuff has been dirty with age, scuffed and dry. I use a product called "Leather Life" for the first step to clean and treat the leather. I believe that "Leather Life" is made in Louisiana and have bought it in local saddle and tack shops. The second step is to generously apply "Connollys" (sp?). Any excess can be easily wiped off. I believe "Connolys" contains lanolin.
At both steps I might apply two or more coats depending on the leather condition. Subsequent treatment may only require polishing with "Connollys."
Living in Houston it is important to maintain the AC for living and preserving all our treasures. Most of my holsters are on shelves in cardboard boxes enjoying the AC.

I also use a beeswax product called Sno-Seal on some of my modern holsters. OMG!! OMG!! OMG!! OMG!! Living at 8000 feet in the Winter..Sno-seal was a must for icy slushy freezing wet conditions! Slather it on like butter pats on toast..It's fantastic stuff for icy slushy freezing wet conditions! But holsters? It's on par with Pecard's. Sticky gooey honey like petroleum jelly. God only knows what the stuff actually is...

You are my Hero!!

In a way I am so glad I am not into collecting holsters. :D

All my respect to those that are. :cheers:

Holsters are like Women..delicate and in need of a great deal of maintenance. But I wouldn't like to not pair up my beautiful Artillery pistol and stock with no holster! Or my Navies! The leather is the icing on the cake. Adds interest..history. Puts the pistols into context. Makes them complete.

Jerry your artillery above says it all! You and Ellie are both forever in love and your pets too!! A genuine Romantic~ LuvYa!