Hello JD
As far as posting goes, don't feel bad, I've done the same thing, you spend the time writing a reply, and then forget to push the submit ,( LOL ) The answer to your first question, if you are talking about the natural walnut dyed Cheyenne holsters I posted just before Curley, the only finish on the holsters is the home made walnut dye, which I let the holsters sit covered in the dye all sewed for five days, then Lexoil for a conditioner after the leather had totally dryed,( I also did my wet molding after taking them out of the dye),after the Lexoil dried ( about 2 hours ) I put on only two light coats of EVOO, and they darken without having to put them in the sun, so I didn't put anymore EVOO on them, I finished them in Skidmores Leather cream, the belt is 4 to 5 ounce brown oil tanned leather, you don't do anything to this kind of leather at all, the bullet loops and belt billets were finished before sewing them on, this type of leather makes great chaps also, but really works well as a money belt,.
Now if your talking about the picture just after Curleys, the inside is treated with just Neatsfoot oil, and then sprayed a light coat of Neat-lac, the color was a light tan, it turned this color after oiling too heavy with Neatsfoot oil, this is something you have to watch, and something I have learned along the way, even WC has this happen to him when trying to get an exact color.
JD the leather I used for the New Model Vaquero rig is out of 13 to 15 ounce saddle skirting, I just wanted to try this thick leather and see how it worked, the Cheyenne holster that I made on the picture before Curleys is also out of the same thick leather, the one on top of Packing Iron. the belt is the same oil tanned money belt, all the veg tanned leather is finished in Neatsfoot oil and a last treatment of Skidmores leather cream, this thick saddle skirting made some really nice holsters, and they're strong, and once wet formed they stay put. When I oil if I'm trying to get different shades, I will use a paint brush and put more oil in areas that I want shaded darker, it works well for me and adds a nice look of aging to your leather.
On the Jesse James rig I finished the leather in EVOO, I did a few light coats with SUN TANNING in between coats untill I achieved the color and tone /shade I was after, when I finish leather now, I take more time in the finishing process, this allows you to have more control over your work piece. the last thing I do after my leather is totally dry, is to apply Skidmores as a final treatment.
In regards to learning from CowboyWC, he's a great Pard and I consider myself a lucky pard to have him as a friend.
Howdy Mike
Thanks for your comment Pard, you can get VERDIGRIS from veg-tan leather too, I had it happen to me, but it's slower to happen than other leather, just remember your bullet loops aren't for storing ammo, only use your loops when you need them or for looks, but take them out and put them back in the box at the end of the day, I'm not saying you would be in trouble if you didn't for a few days, but it's easy to forget , and then time goes by and you could be in trouble it doesn't happen overnight and veg-tan is the safest leather to use for this, just be careful and don't leave them in your belt too long.Nickel plated shell casings do a whole lot better than brass, and can be left in your belt for a longer time, I have a full set of dummy loads that are Nickel plated and they're just for this purpose.
Howdy Johnny
Thank you for your kind words Pard, talk to you later
Thanks to all for your comments, it is much appreciated
tEN wOLVES