Applied Treatments
Closing Thoughts
Most football equipment collectors, myself included, have used a leather conditioner or saddle soap on an artifact in an attempt to a) restore flexibility to stiffening leather, b) to clean soiled areas, or c) to improve an artifact's appearance. Application of these products was once a routine preservation strategy for many museums. Unfortunately, applied treatments have been found to accelerate the deterioration of leather artifacts and their use is universally discouraged. Saddle soaps and leather conditioners have been found to:
1.
Leather conditioner residue on a leather head harness
Before purchasing any vintage leather football artifact, carefully inspect the item's condition. This can particularly difficult when items are sold on EBay. Sellers will take and use photos that compliment the piece and frequently omit pictures and descriptions of any condition issues. Carefully inspect posted photos and ask for additional info if necessary before bidding or purchasing. Remember that once leather dries out, starts to crack and spall, or develops red rot, its condition cannot be reversed. Whenever possible, purchase items in excellent or very good condition with minimal signs of deterioration. Preservation of artifacts is much more effective before any deterioration sets in.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Shoulder pad display
Custom wooden shoulder pad support
Head harness display
Polyester batting
Vintage wooden spool
- oxidize on the surface of leather and cause it to stiffen,
- attract and allow dust and other contaminants to accumulate,
- darken leather,
- emulsify dust and other contaminants and embed them deeper into the structure of the leather,
- exude fatty spews,
- leave a greasy, shiny film on the surface of an artifact that is inconsistent with its original finish.
Melon restored with leather conditioner (left) and unrestored melon (right)
The application of conditioners to vintage melon footballs is a common practice by leather restorers. Restoration typically results in a more even, and arguably more attractive, darker finish. One of the arguments for the application is that conditioners were likely applied to these balls when they were in use to help them repel water and their use does not represent a material departure from historic treatments. If conditioners have been used it should be disclosed to any purchaser.
Take photos of your collection annually to create a condition record for each artifact. If you notice signs of deterioration you can refer to this information to determine whether or not it is a new development. Identifying issues early will enable you to adjust your preservation plan accordingly to prevent further deterioration.
The recommendations in this article are relatively easy and inexpensive to employ in your home. Implementing a proactive preservation strategy is the only way to maintain the condition and value of your collection.
The recommendations in this article are relatively easy and inexpensive to employ in your home. Implementing a proactive preservation strategy is the only way to maintain the condition and value of your collection.
National Park Service.
References
The NPS Museum Handbook, Part I, Museum Collections.
1996. Web. March 28, 2015
Museum of Florida History.
Texas Historical Commission.
Web. March 28, 2015.
Web. March 28, 2015.
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