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I have corresponded with museum conservators and researchers for several years and have not yet been able to locate the oft-mentioned endorsement from the Smithsonian Institution concerning Pecards. It would be extremely odd for a large museum staffed with researchers and conservators to endorse a commercial product for antique leather preservation, particularly one that is designed as a water-resistant treatment but anything is possible. I can not locate the claim on the Pecard's home page nor has anyone responded in support of such a claim from the Smithsonian. I have been searching for the origin of this claim for years and hope you can tell me where it comes from. Who do I contact at The SI to confirm this?


To date, I have been discouraging the use of this grease (it consists of petroleum high melting temp waxes/greases and not animal or plant oils as noted on the P's web site) because of the darkening and permanent stickiness it causes and because no positive benefits are known for its use on valuable old leather. It fills voids left by oil/moisture lost through age or due to inadequate humidity--the same effect can be had by proper care without the use of grease.


I strongly discourage the use of treatments of any type unless you are aware of research supporting its benefits and know of the long-term consequences of treatment. Too much informal "gun show" advice is irreversibly detrimental to the preservation of historic artifacts and the value of your personal collections.


I recommend reading about conservation at the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works


http://aic.stanford.edu/treasure/objects.html


The advice they provide regarding your treasures is grounded in research and expert knowledge rather than folk belief. I am not disparaging anyone here only requesting confirmation of an often-heard claim about the Smithsonian and a commercial product and urging utmost caution in treating these irreplacable old holsters.


Good luck preserving your valuables!


David