How do I ‘season’ a new Silvers-type recoil pad?

Replacement recoil pads often look too new to match the overall appearance of your classic L.C. Smith shotgun.  The next time you swab out a barrel, use the burned powder and gun oil to wipe down the new pad.  This can be repeated until the proper 'aging' is reached.  While not proven scientifically, Dr. Drew adds that setter slobber facilitates the ‘take.’