Need Finish For Elephant

[olds cool]

I've got a piece of elephant from a SLC scrap bag. It's got a really cool rust color that's a really close match to the grips on my 1911. I'd like to use a piece on a holster for myself. The problem I'm having is that every finish I have tried turns it dark brown and I lose the lovely rust color. Can anyone offer a suggestion to help protect it from the elements and abrasions that can be experienced by something hanging from a belt, but keep the original color?

[olds cool]

It was getting a bit late after a long day and I guess I forgot to mention what I have already tried.... Resolene, neatlac, and neatsfoot oil.

[bruce johnson]

I use Feibings Leathersheen on elephant to protect it some, but most top grain elephant is pretty durable as is.

[olds cool]

Thanks Bruce. I don't have any Feibings laying around yet but I do have some of the Tandy equivalent. I'll cut another test piece and give it a shot. If it's really that durable, maybe I could just get away with a few good coats of neutral shoe polish.