saving "Dead" leather??

[DavidJayUden]

I picked up a 1937 holster that has several spots of what I best describe as being "dead", in that they are brittle, and would probably break before they would bend. Mostly straps and also the tool pouch. May have been exposed to heat but that's just a guess. I've used leather products such as Hide Rejuvinator and Neatsfoot Oil to no avail. One brittle strap is currently soaking in neadsfoot oil and shows no signs of coming back to life.
Anyone use heat or boiling water or oil to try to restore some flexability to leather?
I know I sound like a real hack but this baby requires drastic steps.
Some leather guys have told me that once it gets that bad there's no saving it.
Wisdom and experience are appreciated.
DJU