Is this holster worth restoring?

It would probably be okay for display- certainly not for use at all.

There is nothing to restore it to. It looks like a cheap holster that you give to an 8 year to pretend he is a cowboy that hasn't seen use in several years. I would also question the authenticity of the badge.

The question is whether you should restore it. If you're looking for a holster for regular use, I'd spend my money on a modern holster. If you're looking for something to maybe wear as part of a reenactment or to highlight a period costume or display then the question becomes whether restoring a holster like this destroys its value. I don't know the answer but those are things I'd consider.

I would be wary about buying any old leather piece from a private seller on the internet who states that it hasn't been taken care of in over 50 years.

You can't tell from the photos what condion it is in. If it has started dry rotting, then it is a worthless scrap of hide and unsalvageable.

I wouldn't take a $75 gamble on something like that when you can have new holsters made for that (belts and studs will be more, obviously).

The problem is that most " moistening " chemicals ALSO soften the leather. Next thing you know it starts to tear at the stress areas. Best would be to " work " the leather by using it or hand rubbing.

Hey wait a minute......Is that Yosemite Sam's rig ? The rootin' -est, shootin' -est, hombre west of the Pecos.

I miss that guy.