Cleaning Mildew off leather.

Stoney Pete · December 31, 2005, 03:51:27 PM

Forgive me CAS for I have sinned.

I just aquired a 1903 Springfield.

It has a leather sling that has some mildew on it.

I'd like to clean it right and then care for the leather.

Suggestions?

Coop Trawlaine · December 31, 2005, 04:20:10 PM

Use good ole fashioned Saddle Soap, work it into a good lather and scrub the sling straps with a soft bristle brush. ( Good old soap and water won't hurt leather for cleaning.) Rinse well and wipe dry. Repeat a couple of times depending on how bad the mildew is and then treat sling with a good leather conditioner. That should do the trick. You could add a touch of bleach to a wet soapy cloth, the bleach kills the bacteria that causes mildew....

Forty Rod · December 31, 2005, 04:42:42 PM

Try dry corn starch. Rub it in real well, let it sit 10 minutes, brush it off. If it gets part of it but not all, repeat the process.

I'd try this first, then go to harsher stuff if it doesn't work.

Trinity · December 31, 2005, 07:53:12 PM

Send the entire thing (Gun and all) to me and I'll get rid of the mildew for you.

Marshal Will Wingam · December 31, 2005, 09:03:13 PM

I've always used saddle soap. I'd try 40's corn starch first because it could be a simple fix. If you do, let us know how that works.

Stoney Pete · December 31, 2005, 09:28:18 PM

Quote from: Trinity on December 31, 2005, 07:53:12 PM
Send the entire thing (Gun and all) to me and I'll get rid of the mildew for you.

I'm packing it for shipment right now. Honest. Why don't you go wait by the mail box and it will be there soon.

I'l try the corn starch first cuz I'm apt to have it in house. I probalby won't get to it till Monday though.

St. George · December 31, 2005, 09:43:58 PM

You 'could' discard it.

It's not an issue sling - but a commercial one...

The lower sling strap is riveted - originals of the M1907 sling are sewn.
The keeper is stapled - and originals of those are sewn as well - no 'maybe's' - no exceptions...

With the phosphate finish - it looks like a '42 Remington.

If so - a 'dated' Tan or OD sling is equally correct when an original leather sling can't be easily located.

If you want to clean mildewed leather - Lexol, Castile, Neutral Shoe Polish or Saddle Soap will clean it.

Mildew will still leave 'spots' from the bacteria's activity - so something that can impart that quality will help.

I use Lexol and Neutral Shoe Polish.

If I need to 'actually' polish - I'll use a Boot Cream like that sold by Justin's.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Trinity · January 01, 2006, 07:33:43 PM

Quote from: stoneypete on December 31, 2005, 09:28:18 PM
I'm packing it for shipment right now. Honest. Why don't you go wait by the mail box and it will be there soon.

I'l try the corn starch first cuz I'm apt to have it in house. I probalby won't get to it till Monday though.

Silly! Today's Sunday. No mail delivery today. I'll go out tomorrow.

Forty Rod · January 01, 2006, 08:56:05 PM

Question: why's that dang thing cocked?

Stoney Pete · January 02, 2006, 06:55:21 AM

Quote from: Forty Rod on January 01, 2006, 08:56:05 PM
Question: why's that dang thing cocked?

You'd have to ask the seller. I used his original photo's since it showed the mildew. I is not cocked now in the safe.

I used the corn starch since that's what I had in house. It worked. However, I'm gonna look for a replacement as this one is in much worse condition than originally thought.

Any ideas of where to look for one?

tarheel mac · January 02, 2006, 08:23:34 AM

congrats on you sinful purchase..Actually I could stand a little sinning like that myself...

St. George · January 02, 2006, 09:14:45 AM

The M1907 sling stayed in Service a 'very' long time - and it's still supplied to Rifle Team shooters.

The new ones are primarily an 'un-oiled' leather, so they're quite light in color - and their markings are in ink - as opposed to being die-stamped.

Originals started out that color but way too many Saddle -Soapings and Neatsfoot Oil treatments have taken their toll.

A 'real' WWII-issue M1907 sling can run $35 and up for a well-used one with readable dates.

The dated web slings are in that price range, as well - being dated in ink - and the clean ones are being snapped up as soon as they appear.

There used to be a reproduction that was dated and all for around $29.95.
Don't remember much more than that.

Incidentally - the 'correct' M1905 Bayonet for the rifle should be the one with the 16" blade, and the Cartridge belt be a Light Tan and should feature single straps inside the pockets and - to accomodate the indiviual 5-round stripper clips.

As to where to find an original - that's something that pops up from time to time, so Good Luck with that.

What's the Barrel date?

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Stoney Pete · January 02, 2006, 12:57:03 PM

Quote from: St. George on January 02, 2006, 09:14:45 AM

What's the Barrel date?

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

8-44

Stoney Pete · January 02, 2006, 12:59:45 PM

I also found this for 34.95
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewItem&item=7208084909

Marshal Will Wingam · January 02, 2006, 06:26:08 PM

Nice looking sling, pard. If it'll fit, you may have the answer there. LOL, ebay to the rescue.

St. George · January 02, 2006, 11:32:14 PM

If you just want a leather sling - it'll do.

For the same money - you 'should' be able to find one of the late-issue slings from a Marksmanship contract and though non-period-of-issue - at least it'd be a GI sling.

Springfield Armory was never a Government Contractor.

With your late barrel date - the 'correct' sling's going to be a cotton web sling - the 'Sling, M1' - and it should be dated near the sewn buckle.

Color should be Olive Drab.

Good Luck.

Scouts Out!