I have recently aquired a couple of old elk skin shirts dating to the 1870s. One is in extremely good condition but the other has cracked, shrunk and shriviled and basicly stuck to a form. These have very significant historical value and I want to preserve them for years to come.
any and all advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
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Mike,
A lot depends on the tanning methods used. The 1870's is when chrome tanning started to replace more traditional methods. First off, does the shirt have a glossy grain side to it, or is it suede on both sides?
I tan, and consult on traditional methods used prior to the 1870's, so if its an example of that, then I can help you.