1944 Walther P38

[Jeff S]

Frequently I’ll hear members use the terms “caretaker” or “custodian” when referring to firearms that they own. Well, I’m the current “caretaker” of a 1944 Walther P 38 handgun (9 mm).

The gun itself is in pretty good shape, but the 1934 Dresden holster was in need of some TLC, having spent the last 60 years in my dad’s basement.

Since I consider this old holster a bit of a treasure, I figured I should contact our resident leather expert, Kevin McComack (Spoorns). Kevin has been restoring leather gun cases for years and is knowledgeable as to what products are best. Kevin recommended using Leatherique Rejuvenator and Cleaner.

I spent a good 45 minutes rubbing the rejuvenator into the leather, taking special care to thoroughly soak the stitching and flexible areas. Once this was complete, I put the holster in an enclosed plastic tub (with a colored lid) and left it in the Florida sun for about 7 hours. Per the instructions, this allows the “rejuvenator” to soak into the leather. The next step was to rub the Leatherique “cleaner” into the leather and then gently buff the surface. The end result looks pretty good. The light mildew is gone and I feel like I brought a little moisture back into the leather. Realistically, WWII mementos will become less cherished as time marches on, but at least I’ve added a life to this old piece of leather.

[Sporrns]

Well done, Jeff! I became a believer in the Leatherique process years ago when a friend asked me to restore a Civil War belt cartridge box that was so brittle he'd never fully opened the lid for fear of it breaking off the hinge. Using their same process, it turned out very supple and flexible, safe to handle and carry. Kevin

[MARSHFELLOW]

Well done. Thanks Jeff & Kevin for sharing the tip.
tjw

[Foxnut]

Jeff,
Thanks for sharing the process and recommendations on use. The holster looks like it turned out fantastic and cleaned up nicely. Well done!

[DarylC]

Nice job Steggy. Now go out and pop some caps in the baby.