Is it Sacrilegious to cut up WW2 shearling?

[Johnny Deadlifts]

Hey folks. I'm struggling with the idea of dismantling and repurposing a pair of WW2 shearling pants that I've acquired for dirt cheap. They are in rough shape. Non of the zippers are working or salvageable, but most of the leather and mutton is in pretty reasonable shape; other then the

overwhelming smell after being left hanging in a garage for twenty years.

I want to make a few detachable collars for some jackets out of them. Is it wrong to cut up a piece of history? I worked with many WW2 vets years ago so I do have a deep respect for all things related to service; but the owner was likely to throw them out if I didn't purchase them. I had mentioned them in the classifieds but they wouldn't really have saleable value now that I've handled them. Maybe a museum might want them?
Regardless, is it wrong to cut them up? Thoughts?

 

[Biff42]

I personally don't think so especially since you're repurposing them.

 

[tweedydon]

I think that’s a good use of them! And I’d be interested in a piece for a collar if you have any spare.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

Hey folks. I'm struggling with the idea of dismantling and repurposing a pair of WW2 shearling pants that I've acquired for dirt cheap. They are in rough shape. Non of the zippers are working or salvageable, but most of the leather and mutton is in pretty reasonable shape; other then the View attachment 745622 overwhelming smell after being left hanging in a garage for twenty years.

I want to make a few detachable collars for some jackets out of them. Is it wrong to cut up a piece of history? I worked with many WW2 vets years ago so I do have a deep respect for all things related to service; but the owner was likely to throw them out if I didn't purchase them. I had mentioned them in the classifieds but they wouldn't really have saleable value now that I've handled them. Maybe a museum might want them?
Regardless, is it wrong to cut them up? Thoughts?

If you're asking the question, I think you might want to ask how you'll feel if you do cut them up. I don't think it's "wrong" but I wouldn't be able to do it. It seems like a choice everyone has to make for themselves.

I wouldn't judge you one way or the other, but would you judge yourself?

 

[tweedydon]

The Lost Cowboy has the best response!

 

[Johnny Deadlifts]

If you're asking the question, I think you might want to ask how you'll feel if you do cut them up. I don't think it's "wrong" but I wouldn't be able to do it. It seems like a choice everyone has to make for themselves.

I wouldn't judge you one way or the other, but would you judge yourself?

I appreciate your input. It's a more complex decision then I realized. Almost a betrayal to all the vets I helped over the years. I don't want to cut them up, but now that I have them what to do with them? I don't have the space to display them.
I'm starting to think more in terms of a farmer with a beloved old cow. Its been great for years but is struggling now. He could keep it going until it starts falling apart, or have it butchered and all its parts get used with purpose.
A clumbsy analogy at best.

 

[AHP91]

Guys after the war used to cut up some of their old discarded gear to make toys for children and such, think - “horse rocking chair with shearling haired ponytail”

 

[Eagledog]

Considering the terrible aroma it has I wouldn't think you would want it anywhere near your face.

 

[Johnny Deadlifts]

Considering the terrible aroma it has I wouldn't think you would want it anywhere near your face.

True, but I'm hoping with proper ventilation and treatment I might get it to a dull roar. I'll try the vodka spray and anything else I can find on the forum. It was left in a very moist environment here on the wet coast without any real ventilation so it's still very much a hail Mary.

 

[Aloysius]

Considering the terrible aroma it has I wouldn't think you would want it anywhere near your face.

Yeah this jumped out to me. Probably not the best source material for a collar.