22. GENERAL.-Under proper supervision, and after some
experience has been gained in the application of the foregoing processes, it is believed
that these methods are also applicable to the care and preservation of all other items of
issue equipment used in organizations, such as field glass cases, map cases, etc., and to
articles of individual equipment, such as belts, boots, pistol holsters, and similar
items. Regarding care and preservation of officers' boots, belts, and other fine leather
equipment, it is suggested that the manufacturer's recommendations be followed as closely
as possible in each case, since differences in tanning processes and finishing may make
differences in the ingredients used and methods advisable.
It has been previously mentioned, and may be further
emphasized, that the foregoing conclusions are the results of experience and such research
as it has been possible to make. Certainly, many' methods exist, most of them satisfactory
for accomplishing the same results. It is possible and probable that further experience
and research may lead to better methods than those outlined. To be satisfactory, such
methods must be relatively quick and cheap, and all ingredients either issue items or
items easily and cheaply procured; furthermore, they should be "fool-proof", or
as nearly so as it is possible to make them. While it is impossible to make a new car from
an old one by overhauling the motor and repainting it, nevertheless, by such a procedure
can the car be made to run and appear as well as possible during its subsequent life. It
is neither claimed nor expected that these processes can make new equipment out of
equipment that has been given hard usage, has been neglected in storage, or has been
repeatedly dyed. It is believed, however, that any given piece of equipment can be made to
look better at least, and that by proper methods of preservation the last iota of
serviceability can be extracted from it.
For regulations pertaining to the inspection of
leather and equipment and for a glossary of leather terms see TM 10-226, Technical Manual,
Classification, Processing, and Inspection of Leather and Leather Equipment, War
Department, Jan. 3, 1941.
