Description

A drawer above the standard two sided flat paddle is this four sided square strop with the higher grade appointments. Rather than the flat wood handle this one is elegantly shaped with a dark blue leatherette covering, fine embossed lines and gold embossed numbers 1-4 denoting each side of the square strop. The card stock box is also covered with the same material and has the same embossed lines and matching numbers on each side of the opening. It is intact with no splits or blowouts which is rather uncommon. Label is a rather ornate affair giving instruction including use of sperm oil and explaining which side of the tablet was for what purpose by indicated number. The label is complete and clearly dated 1852 as the date it was adopted and entered according to act of Congress. Maker was George Saunders of New York. The strop itself is complete as well with no splits save some moderate loss from use and wear in the center part of side number 1. This could be easily replaced, or left as is indicating honest use. The outside case and handle has some scuffs and some small bites to the leather finish but overall, comparatively speaking, it is in very good condition. Most of the stuff is cosmetic and could be easily cleaned up to overall excellent+. Left as is, it will also display very well, showing honest age and use. A cut above the norm.