Cleaning Pig-Skin

[1930]

I believe (  looking for further opinions ) that many of these early dealer data books were originally constructed with Pig-skin. Not sure how to identify pig-skin too be honest but assuming it is pig-skin Id like to get some ideas of cleaning/preservation.

I picked up the early Brockway truck dealer catalog today ( black cover ) cause the price was right and Id like to give it some much needed/deserved attention.

 The album below that is a Graham catalog I picked up a few days ago and its outward appearance appears to be identical but seems to show less wear cause the surface texture is more raised or pronounced if that makes sense.

Clearly ( with my glasses on ) marked Brockway on the cover but I dont know how that was originally impregnated and would hate to lose those identifying marks.

Thanks for any tips.

[Lewill2]

There are numerous leather cleaning and preservative products out there but I never had to worry about embossed lettering. On line searches or maybe contact a book restorer that has experience with leather bound books. I don't know that the type of leather would make much difference.

[1930]

There are numerous leather cleaning and preservative products out there but I never had to worry about embossed lettering. On line searches or maybe contact a book restorer that has experience with leather bound books. I don't know that the type of leather would make much difference.

Yes, doing a google search and I did find some info for cleaning the skin and verification that it was indeed used at one time as a book covering. Id like to hear from someone that has put their hands on this type of work and performed the job.

Will keep looking, thanks

[Aunt Phil]

Most likely the covers have severe oil contamination.

Begin with clean Kitty Litter in a pan and leave the book sit on thekitty litter in a warm place for a couple weeks.  Clay kitty Litter drinks oil out of things.

After that try a little corn meal with just enough water to make it into a stiff paste.  Rub that paste onto pigskin, let it dry and brush off.

If the cover is leather (more likely) saddle soap is best.

[1930]

Most likely the covers have severe oil contamination.

Begin with clean Kitty Litter in a pan and leave the book sit on thekitty litter in a warm place for a couple weeks.  Clay kitty Litter drinks oil out of things.

After that try a little corn meal with just enough water to make it into a stiff paste.  Rub that paste onto pigskin, let it dry and brush off.

If the cover is leather (more likely) saddle soap is best.

Is pigskin seen as a variety of leather? Looking that way with what info I can find on-line.

[Aunt Phil]

Pig is a variety of leather derived from pigs.
Leather is generally a nomenclature for cow derived.

[1930]

Pig is a variety of leather derived from pigs.
Leather is generally a nomenclature for cow derived.

Not to sound ignorant but doing a quick search of leather produced this......the skin of an animal, with the hair removed, prepared for use by tanning or a similar process designed to preserve it against decay and make it pliable or supple when dry.

I have always been under the impression that leather defined a particular animals skin, evidently all these years I have been mistaken.

[1930]

Most likely the covers have severe oil contamination.

Begin with clean Kitty Litter in a pan and leave the book sit on thekitty litter in a warm place for a couple weeks.  Clay kitty Litter drinks oil out of things.

After that try a little corn meal with just enough water to make it into a stiff paste.  Rub that paste onto pigskin, let it dry and brush off.

If the cover is leather (more likely) saddle soap is best.

This may sound strange to some but I am familiar with this process, have used it in the past and may go ahead and use it here. Thanks for the reminder

[Aunt Phil]

Just DON'T put modern printed newspaper against the leather.

The damn soy ink that's been used for ten years will bleed into the leather and you AIN'T getting it out.

Lord, I do love Kitty Litter.
Of curse the store clerk thinks I'm a cat hoarder based on some of my buys.