Can this be restored robustly? (Pic)

[jetheron]

Hey Guys

I purchased an old leather suitcase. 

I've attached a pic of suitcase beget wallet cuts.

Is there a way to retain the crackly 'feel' yet achieve fold-ability? (Each is a mens wallet cut and require a center fold).

Thanks in advance

JE

 

 

[johnv474]

The closest I can think of to 'restore' it would be to treat it with Lexol or similar conditioner and then apply Resolene (diluted 50:50 with water).  The acrylic Resolene will act (a little) as an adhesive to hold it together.

 

However that won't last by itself.  There's no undoing leather deterioration.  However, if you line it with thin new leather (using a good adhesive throughout and also sewing) then the liner will help keep the other leather together for longer.

[NVLeatherWorx]

With the amount of damage that is present on this one I wouldn't even waste my time or materials on trying to "revive" it; this is pretty much a flatline on the old heart monitor.  From what I can see with your leather it is more fibrous sawdust than leather at this point and nothing you do it is going to change that aspect; you can do what has been suggested but the damage is going to continue to increase and the older leather will flake, crumble, and fall apart anyway.