WWII Sweatband Repair and Leather Chinstrap preservation

[The Old Boonie Hat]

So I have recently gotten a United Carr leather chinstrap but the leather is cracking on top in a few spots and I want to know if there is any way to make it less stiff. Also I have a pretty minty sweatband but the leather is completely deteriorated and falling off, I was wondering if there were any ways i could get replacement leather to bring it back to its old glory. Thank you.

[Dave T]

Attach the chinstrap to a helmet and leave it alone. Its 77 year old dry leather. You cant make it new again.

As for the sweatband ....its pretty far from mint. Almost complete other end of the spectrum. Same advice as chinstrap. Put it in a helmet and leave it alone. If you want to add "replacement" leather to it and essentially turn it into a repro just order a new sweatband from ATF. 

80 year old leather products arent going to be new again and chemicals and oils arent going to change that.