Renovating Leather Visors on WW2 Caps

[Old Fogey UK]

I've just picked up an enlisted man's size 7 1/4 true crusher on eBay (For $22 !!!) but the leather on the single-thickness visor is rather dry. I don't want to leave it to ultimately crack.
Is there anything I can treat it with to keep it supple without ruining the semi-matt finish on the leather ?
Years ago, I treated a WW2 cap visor with the Connolly Hide Cream and it took the color out of the leather, so I want to avoid that happening again.

 

[Sam Craig]

Try a very mild hand lotion. Just a tiny bit.

I've had good luck doing that with sweat bands.

Just work it in with your fingers. It should soften the leather without having any other affect.

Sam

 

[Old Fogey UK]

Thanks for the advice, I'll give it a try. My wife says that hand lotion contains lanolin and I guess that's why it softens delicate leather.

 

[monbla256]

I've just picked up an enlisted man's size 7 1/4 true crusher on eBay (For $22 !!!) but the leather on the single-thickness visor is rather dry. I don't want to leave it to ultimately crack.
Is there anything I can treat it with to keep it supple without ruining the semi-matt finish on the leather ?
Years ago, I treated a WW2 cap visor with the Connolly Hide Cream and it took the color out of the leather, so I want to avoid that happening again.

Remember, most of these visors were made of thick CHROME tanned leather, not the natural tanned type as was and is used in saddlery/harness work and as such don't respond as well to many of the oil based leather conditioners. The visable surface was dyed and finished so that it was different than the back side or bottom. Oil based conditioners will not really penetrate as well as some other conditioners and will effect the top finish as well.

 

[Old Fogey UK]

Remember, most of these visors were made of thick CHROME tanned leather, not the natural tanned type as was and is used in saddlery/harness work and as such don't respond as well to many of the oil based leather conditioners. The visable surface was dyed and finished so that it was different than the back side or bottom. Oil based conditioners will not really penetrate as well as some other conditioners and will effect the top finish as well.

What would you suggest using ?

 

[monbla256]

What would you suggest using ?

A good conditioner that is meant for boots and shoes as these are also made of chrome tanned leather and are meant to penetrate the finish side without altering it.

 

[Old Fogey UK]

A good conditioner that is meant for boots and shoes as these are also made of chrome tanned leather and are meant to penetrate the finish side without altering it.

We've got a beeswax-based leather conditioner that we use on leather jackets and furniture. Would that be suitable ?

 

[T Rick]

I was going to suggest Renaissance Wax. Used for restoration and preservation on artwork and other antique items, it's also the only product recommended by Milk Sparks Custom Holsters for use on their products. Google it and see what you think.

 

[Old Fogey UK]

Thanks guys. You've given me plenty of options.