What do I do with this No. 4 Kodak?

[bearcat]

Hi,
I am new to the forum but not to vintage cameras.

I just purchased a No. 4 Kodak. It is quite large and in need of cosmetic attention. Although it is missing the carrying strap and the brass string set pull it is in solid condition.

The biggest drawback is that approximately 40% of the original leather has fallen off and disappeared sometime between 1890 and when I picked up the camera on Sunday.

I am at a loss as to whether I should sand and seal the wood beneath the leatherette or if I should try to find replacement leather. What would you do?

If you believe I should re-cover the camera with leather... where can I find such leather? I don't mind puting a little more $$$ into the restoration but I will need a piece of leather 14"x14" and another three sections at 14"x8" to cover the entire body of this 5"x7"x13.5" beauty.

Thanks for your responses.

[Christopher Walrath]

The website url fsils me but do a google for camera leathers and you shoukd pop up with the comprhensive company. Wish I could remember the name. Might be cameraleathers.com. IDK

[resummerfield]

http://www.cameraleather.com/
They sell custom cut leather or, for the Kodak 4, sheets of leather with an adhesive back that you cut for your particular camera. And yes, I would recover the camera.

[bearcat]

Thanks for the clear direction. I will go to the camerleather.com site.