I am presently restoring an upright Welte Licensee and it seems that
it has had various things done to it over the years.  A number of the
pouches in the expression system have rubber cloth instead of the usual
pan pouch leather.

These instruments are rare in the UK and I would be grateful if anyone
could advise on whether to replace with ordinary tosh (rubber cloth) or
with leather.  I do realise that leather would be a little porous, but
how actually critical is that in where it is used?  Could I seal the
leather with egg white, which I have seen done in the organ building
trade?  My experience is that leather outlasts cloth; the present
pouches have hardened and are solid.

I must say this instrument has made me decide to stick to my normal
resolve: "If someone else has been in before, _keep well clear!_"

Jonathan Holmes
Penzance, Cornwall. UK