Pitcher pump leather presertive?

[Bud in FLA]

I have an old pitcher pump I want to put back to work. I have a new leather valve and cup for it but is there anything I should treat the leather with first? It shouldn't see too much use so I'm wondering if the leather would dry out too much.
Thanks for any info!

 

[Jim in Ma.]

Not sure if it does any good but I soak the leathers in neets foot oil first.

 

[pat sublett]

Saddle soap

 

[JerryD]

Neatsfoot oil is what Colman uses on all lantern pump leathers. Keep them soft.

 

[JD Seller]

My Grand Mother's summer kitchen had a pitcher pump in it. It would set from late fall to the next spring empty without being used until it got warm enough to warrant moving the cooking out to the summer kitchen. She would pour a 1/2 cup of vegetable oil in it when she was done with it in the fall. She claimed it made the leathers last longer and not dry out. She would then prime the pump in the spring with HOT water the first time. She would pour the hot water in and let it set a little bit and then pump water until it cleared up from the well.

 

[Anonymous-0]

We used vaseline to keep the leather on lacrosse sticks nice and soft.

 

[Dr. Walt]

Neetsfoot Oil is the best, followed by Distilled Olive Oil, & finally by Vegetable Oil.

I've used an old Pitcher Pump off & on for nearly 60 years and I've used all three depending on what I had on hand at the time. Only replaced the leather ONE time about 35 years ago only because it was flat wore out, but the leather was still soft and supple.

Doc

 

[greygoat]

Whatever you use...be sure to check if it"s ok
foe human health, for instance...what kind of
chemicals, or carcinigans, are in neatsfoot oil ?

 

[Bud in FLA]

Thanks for all the info! I knew there had to something that help preserve the stuff!

 

[showcrop]

Lexol saddle oil.

 

[Leroy]

Do you plan on using the water for body washing or even drinking? If so do not consider most of the sugjustions as it will make the water not safe for that.