chrisash Report post Posted August 17, 2018 We have many options to waterproof leather these days from rain and the like How was it done in the old days for things like shoe's boots saddle bags etc and how effective were they Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matt S Report post Posted August 17, 2018 Dubbin, or any form of grease or fat that was handy. Works fairly well so long as you appreciate they will never be Welly boot waterproof and you reapply the stuff frequently. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fredk Report post Posted August 20, 2018 They also used shellac varnish. I believe shellac is still used on the boots of the Household Cavalry, the long ones worn for official duties Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
