Peggy I have seen this fabric  on many items. I do not know what the
coating is.  However, I do believe the coating was applied to simulate
leather rather than waterproof. Let us know what you find.

Best
Ann Frisina

On Fri, Feb 15, 2013 at 12:04 PM, Peggy Derrick <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> The La Crosse County Historical Society would like to reupholster the seat
> on its 1922 American La France fire truck and I am trying to determine what
> the original fabric was, and what is my best option for a correct
> replacement. At first I thought it was upholstered in black leather, but
> upon examination I realized I was looking at a heavy woven cotton with a
> surface treatment to make it black and waterproof. The fabric itself is not
> in terrible shape, but the sewing thread is rotting. Maybe we should just
> stitch it back together? I'm curious to know what the surface treatment is:
> rubber? It's not crumbling or stiff like old rubber. Paint? Ditto. Vinyl?
> Isn't 1922 too early for vinyl?
> Are there any simple tests I could subject a tiny bit to, to analyze it?
> And while I'm asking all these questions, does anyone have a recommendation
> on what to recover it with?
> Thank you all so much!
>
> Peggy Derrick, Curator
>
> La Crosse County Historical Society
>
> P.O. 1272
>
> La Crosse WI 54602
>
> 608-782-1980
>
>


-- 
Ann Frisina
Textile Conservator
Minnesota Historical Society
345 Kellogg Blvd. W.
St. Paul, MN 55413
651 259-3385

http://www.mnhs.org/preserve/conservation/index.html