Leather work advice needed for old Howard Hill Back quiver

[Longbow1415]

Hi
Im looking for some solid advice on how to resolve issues I have with a Howard Hill quiver.
I recently purchased this quiver in order to use it as a pattern to make a new back quiver, but the stitching is in such condition, I think it would be a shame to cut it apart.
I really want to get rid of the ink drawings on the front of the quiver, then try to remove what appears to be watermarks, from all over the quiver. I think I would then look at dyeing the quiver to get a uniform colour.
I stopped by Tandy this morning, and bought some deglazer, which was supposed to clean up the surface, prior to dyeing.
The deglazer did not remove the drawings or the watermarks.
I do have some 2000 grit sandpaper, and it did not appear to damage the test piece of leather I used it on.
If anyone has recommendations on how to resolve these issues, I'd be most grateful.

 

 

 

 

 

[Osagetree]

If I was doing it...

Soak in warm water, scrub it with dawn dish liquid and a 3M surface preperation pad. Wait for it to dry stiff...

Oil generously with freblings saddle oil. The color will darken and even out. Chances are the art will scour off too...

[TOEJAMMER]

To each his own but the drawing looks fine to me.  I'd leave it as is if it were mine, but it is your quiver.  However, whatever you choose, I  would stay away from any abrasive.

[Hud]

you could try Saddle Soap, on a damp cloth then wait until it dries.  Trying to remove water spots is hard, but the Saddle Soap will help.  Ink depending on the kind may spread when you hit it with a solvent. Ink on a shirt, can be removed by using hair spray with a towel behind so it dissolves into the cloth. If Tandy Leather does not have something, and you can't find anything online.
I might squirt some hair spray, on a damp cloth and see if it pulls it off. I would be careful not to rub it hard, it might spread.

[fujimo]

any abrading will damage the top layer of the leather- which was the epidermis of the critter. a lot of integrity in that layer- i would try not compromising it. it would land up being like suede- then it would stain and get dirty super easily- but sorry i dont have a solution for removing the ink.
 i think that the watermarks add some "age" and value to the look and feel of it- but each to their own.
 i know this though:
 when i build saddles- and one is wetting out leather to mold it- i always wet the entire piece - just on the epidermis( with a spray bottle)- then soak the area that i want to form
. otherwise one will get watermarks. i have found that harder water stains worse than other water. rain water the least. maybe try wetting it all with some "harder" water and see if you can ge  a uniform stain.

[mike g]

Sounds like your just wanting a pattern for a new one....
    If the quiver you have is a size you like just measure it....
    Look in the how too section to see how to lay out the lacing holes....

[RJonesRCRV]

At least the ink drawings aren't too bad looking, in the case you cant get rid of them.

[ron w]

I would treat it with Pitch Blend and just use it. The art work is pretty well done and it gives the quiver character. Just my thoughts.

[fujimo]

like mike said-  make a pattern, then sell the one above- looks like plenty of people on here would take it off your hands.   :D  
pattern on that should be pretty easy- without taking it apart

[wood carver 2]

I was thinking the same thing. I'm not a back quiver guy, but I like that one. I'd consider buying it if the price is right. Or maybe a trade...
Dave.

[Longbow1415]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I have had the quiver soaked in warm water, and I'm waiting for it to dry. I think the stains may actually be oil based, as I think they are still showing through. I will get a good quality saddle soap at the weekend, and see if I can clean it up any more