I have a never-restored Red Welte Vorsetzer in very excellent condition,
but the cloth on all the pneumatics has dried out and must be replaced.
A job that is even bigger than re-covering the pneumatics is the work on
the valve system.  All these valves and pouches have been sealed in the
mechanism for the past 100 years, so they are not exposed to circulating
air that will age the leather.

Does anyone who has had experience with German Welte mechanisms think
that it is possible that the valves are still usable, and only the
pneumatic cloth needs to be replaced?  Obviously, the air tightness of
the leather can be tested before the mechanism is totally disassembled.
Any suggestions on how to proceed?

Randolph Herr