Can this cantle be saved?

[Tobus]

It's really hard to tell what's going on from the photo. Not that it's a poor quality photo; it's just difficult to see detail when it's all black.

How does the leather feel to the touch? Is it hard and brittle feeling, or soft and crumbly? Is it pliable at all?

I've seen many an old leather saddle deteriorate from heat and lack of care, but usually when they start to break down, the leather will crack and crumble away. When that happens on a dyed surface, you'll see bits of tan leather come through. I'm not seeing that on your cantle. It's possible that you (or someone) applied polish repeatedly over the leather as it started to deteriorate, and that might explain all the bumpiness and odd textures I'm seeing. But if this isn't something that you've been adding color/finish to over time, then I'm not sure what's going on.

How has this sporran been stored?