Owning more the a few Albions myself I would not dismount that blade. It's effect on the leather is really a matter of how much heat we're talking about and what time frame we're looking at as far as exposure goes. You could age the hilt with some lemon juice and paper strips. I'd ask this at myarmoury.com and see what they say. You should also be able to find more then a few articles on this subject over there as well.
Gareth you silly man.
I think you'll be fine. Consider oiling the leather prior to trap its moisture in so it won't dry, and use the thick blue painter's masking tape so that it will be solid and wont leave residue.
