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This is from a publication called Privates’ Manual, by Major Jas A. Moss. Printed in 1915
How to apply oil. The quantity of oil to be used can not be definitely prescribed. If not enough oil is used, the leather will be stiff and brittle; if too much is used, it will soil the clothing and accumulate dirt. The leather should, therefore, be saturated with sufficient oil to be soft and pliable without excess sufficient to cause it to exude. In applying the oil the following general instructions should govern:
(a) The oil should be applied to the flesh side of the equipment where practicable when the leather is clean and still damp after washing (about half dry), because it penetrates more uniformly when applied from the flesh side, and when the leather is damp. If the leather is dry it will absorb the oil like blotting paper, preventing proper distribution.
(b) The oil should be applied with an oiled rag or cotton waste by long, light, quick strokes---light strokes, so the pressure applied may not squeeze out an excess of oil; quick storks, so that the leather may not absorb an undue amount of oil. The endeavor should be to obtain a light even distribution.
(c) After applying the oil the leather equipment should be allowed to stand for 24 hours, if practicable, in a warm dry place. It should then be rubbed with a dry cloth to remove any unabsorbed oil.
Remember the flesh is the rough side of the leather. Why the leather could be damp is it recommended a cleaning with a saddle soap. If you use a saddle soap, use very little water. The author said a damp sponge not a wet one.
By applying the oil to damp leather the oil will oxidize fast and penetrate into the leather fibers.
I thought it was an interesting insight into oiling equipment.
David Jarnagin
djarnagin@bellsouth.net
How to apply oil. The quantity of oil to be used can not be definitely prescribed. If not enough oil is used, the leather will be stiff and brittle; if too much is used, it will soil the clothing and accumulate dirt. The leather should, therefore, be saturated with sufficient oil to be soft and pliable without excess sufficient to cause it to exude. In applying the oil the following general instructions should govern:
(a) The oil should be applied to the flesh side of the equipment where practicable when the leather is clean and still damp after washing (about half dry), because it penetrates more uniformly when applied from the flesh side, and when the leather is damp. If the leather is dry it will absorb the oil like blotting paper, preventing proper distribution.
(b) The oil should be applied with an oiled rag or cotton waste by long, light, quick strokes---light strokes, so the pressure applied may not squeeze out an excess of oil; quick storks, so that the leather may not absorb an undue amount of oil. The endeavor should be to obtain a light even distribution.
(c) After applying the oil the leather equipment should be allowed to stand for 24 hours, if practicable, in a warm dry place. It should then be rubbed with a dry cloth to remove any unabsorbed oil.
Remember the flesh is the rough side of the leather. Why the leather could be damp is it recommended a cleaning with a saddle soap. If you use a saddle soap, use very little water. The author said a damp sponge not a wet one.
By applying the oil to damp leather the oil will oxidize fast and penetrate into the leather fibers.
I thought it was an interesting insight into oiling equipment.
David Jarnagin
djarnagin@bellsouth.net
