Trapdoor Rifles

Fred Gaarde wrote: ↑Tue Mar 21, 2023 4:43 pm . . . . .The white residue is like a wax that developed from that over time. I’ll put more on again.
It wipes off.

I have a belt and holster for a SAA Colt that I rescued from a dumpster that had white and green mold all over . . . .AND was stiff as a board!

I DRENCHED them in a solution of warm water and white vinegar (50/50), let them dry SLOWLY, then applied Feibing’s neatsfoot oil compound.

This was about two years ago . . . . .the white “chalk” and mold never came back!

Of course, with your cart. boxes, soaking is out of the question, but . . . . .

Might I suggest a generous wipe down with the vinegar and water solution? . . . .then oil.

Thanks Jim. However the white is not a mold. It’s a powdery residue on the surface like talc that just wipes off.

To each his own, and everyone has their own favorites, but, generally speaking, neats-foot oil is NOT recommended for antique leather by most professionals. Great for boots but pretty well shunned on the museum circuit. Just my unsolicited $.02 - your mileage my vary.