Hi All
I have had quite a few e-mails from people who live this side of the pond who know me all asking about the proportions of the Lanolin & Neatsfoot mixture I used to restore the gun case leather with. So for any body who would like to give it a try and knowing how much is charged for a small pot of leather food making it can save you a fortune.
I will not claim the mix is all my own work it was given to me by the now late John Bowen who was the head groom for one of the lesser royals here in Britland, who thought the best sporting day out besides shooting was a fast gallop over the Moors on a frosty morning on a spirited hunter.
4 Fluid ounces of Neetsfoot Oil
1 Fluid ounce of Cod Liver Oil
Ľ Ounce Bees Wax
˝ Ounce Lanolin
This part is not necessary for the formula but it does mask the smell of the Neetsfoot Oil add a number of drops of essential oil Orange Lavender or my preferred poison Bergamot
Heat the oils together just enough to melt the Bees Wax and Lanolin YOU MUST NOT LET IT BOIL other wise it will be ruined a double boiler really helps here. Best used on the leather slightly warm and rub in well, also it does darken the leather but it was used originally for horse tak so darkening the leather was of no consequence.
According to my "The Joy of Cooking"- Bergamot is NOT considered a poison, but an oil or possibly a spice derived from the pear-shaped citrus fruit itself. If memory serves, the late Judith Child often used it in her recipe for a ragout--Bon appetit!!
