here is the national park service conservation information about leather goods http://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/MHI/Appendix%20S.pdf and try this museum http://www.ourjourney.info/MyJourneyDestinations/SaddlelandMuseum.asp for suggections? Best wishes, Barbara, retired librarian -----Original Message----- From: David Harvey <[log in to unmask]> To: MUSEUM-L <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Sat, May 25, 2013 9:40 pm Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] vintage western saddles If the saddles (or any leather object) are historic and not in use, then never use oils - those will eventually crosslink and darken and can also foster mold bloom. I advise storing them properly, with moderate relative humidity (50% Rh), dust frequently, and if a coating is required then microcrystalline wax (such as renaissance wax) is good. Do not use wax on buff or napped leather (always test a small hidden spot first). Do not use wax on ethnographic leather. Cheers! Dave David Harvey Senior Conservator & Museum Conservator Los Angeles Ca www.cityofangelsconservation.weebly.com On May 25, 2013 8:25 PM, "Sue & Greg" <[log in to unmask]> wrote: Does anyone have suggestions as to what products to use on a vintage western saddle to preserve the leather? To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-HOME.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1 To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-HOME.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).