a crazy leather belt and a leaky poncho

[Angst]

hi....dunno whether this should be here or in kit chatter.....

ok i dug out this old belt and thought i'd put it on here....i bought it at a car boot about 15 years ago...finally got round to doing a quick bit of research....am i correct in thinking this is a verrrrrry old firemans belt? it has merryweather stamped on the inside....its about 4 feet long and 2.25" wide....the leathers in good nick but could do with a bit of help....is neatsfoot what i should use to give it back some health?

also....ive a couple of old british army 58 pattern ponchos....on the inside around the neck holes the tapes starting to dry up and come off leaving it leaky....any recommendations on what tape i should use to repair it would be appreciated...

regards

a

 

[blacktimberwolf]

Can't tell you if it's a vintage fireman's belt but I wouldn't use neatsfoot oil to restore it.
If it was mine I would give it a good dose of leather conditioner such as Grangers then a couple of coats of shoe polish. If you wanted to bring back the colour then dark brown/tan would probably work though I prefer it's used look & would use clear shoe polish.

 

[andybysea]

Cant say for sure but i had a very similar belt dated 1914(buckle identical some slight differance with the stitching and rivets) sizes you give sound similar too, it was a army issue trouser belt.