Question about an old knacksack brass rivet.....

[Southern Brass]

I recently found this brass rivet. I guess its from an old knapsack. The leather is still attached. I have found other rivets before with no leather. My question is should I leave the leather attached or remove it? Also is there more value to leaving original leather or not ? Thanks again for your advice and help

 

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[BamaBill]

View attachment 988806 I recently found this brass rivet. I guess its from an old knapsack. The leather is still attached. I have found other rivets before with no leather. My question is should I leave the leather attached or remove it? Also is there more value to leaving original leather or not ? Thanks again for your advice and help

I would leave the leather, but if you're going to preserve it as is, you'll have to move fast. Clean as much of the remaining dirt off as you can, by dry brushing, and then immerse it in liquid paraffin (wax) to seal the leather. Otherwise the leather will separate and fall off as it dries out.