Help ID and restore this quiver

[seboomook]

I bought this because the grain looked interesting. When it arrived there was the running bear logo on the cuff.
I cant find it in my catalog CD, so am assuming it's pre '48.
It's dirty and stiff, but I'm sure it could be brought back with the right cleaning and conditioner. Anyone got any suggestions?
 
 
 
 

[mwmwmb]

It looks similar to my grandpaws on ben pearson quiver. does it have a logo on the bottom?

[seboomook]

No other logo, it's definately bear, look close on 1st pic on cuff.

[KYArcher]

Good looking quiver.

[Wade Phillips]

Your quiver looks like a pre 1957 Blackhawk over the shoulder back quiver. Designed for up to a dozen arrows, it was really Bear's smallest leather hunting quiver. Similar design Bear quiver dates back into the 1930s.

Trim looks like nice elk hide, not sure what type of leather is on the body. Generally stamped with the Indian in the canoe on the back, but unusual leather may have negated stamping it.

Use a good grade of leather oil on it. If is is not cracked, looks like it will have a lot of useful life left in it.

[seboomook]

Thanks Wade, the blackhawk and other small quivers in the catalog showed a different dual strap.
This one has different grain in the body, thinner than cowhide. And all had indian in canoe logo, but not here. I thought maybe elkhide but dont have any comparison.
Would it hurt to clean first with mild soap and water and easy brushing? Also need a conditioner that wont darken it too much.

[Shaun]

Use "Saddle Soap" available at most farm stores and maybe even Wally World. This will clean and condition. Then apply a good leather treatment like Lexol or plain old neatsfoot oil. You will be amazed at the difference saddle soap and a little warm water will make.

[Wade Phillips]

Brad - Not sure what you mean by "a different dual strap." From time to time the buckle changed, but the strap was always and adjustable set up. The strap set up was simply an over the shoulder strap with holes at the end, and the bottom of the quiver has a short piece of leather that holds the buckle.

Maybe you need to show us a close up of the dual strap you are talking about...

[reddogge]

When you clean go real easy on water.  Just a damp cloth and some saddle soap maybe.

I'll agree with Lexol but I'd avoid Neatsfoot oil like the plague.  It will eventually soften and breakdown the fibers in the leather.  Maybe some Pecards Leather dressing, museums use it.

[Wade Phillips]

reddogge - I've used Saddle Soap with a damp cloth as you suggest to clean up the leather if dirty. Also have used Skidmore's Leather Cream on shinny surface quivers, like the Bear Westerns. What is your opinion of Skidmore's?

Shaun - Have you started restoring that Bear Alaskan quiver yet?

[seboomook]

Just looked again and Wade, you're correct about the strap. And it does most look like a blackhawk. So blackhawk it is. I'll get it cleaned up and maybe the Indian will appear!
Thanks for cleanup suggestions guys. I'll look around for dressings, Pecards sounds promising. Museums cant be wrong!
Brad