Vintage Illinois #127 Horsehide?

Hi all,

Just scored what appears to be a vintage Illinois "Genuine Horse Hide" strop in pretty nice shape.

The difference in the horsehead stamp between the one I just got, and the ones you see at sites such as Classic's would seem to show that this is from a different vintage? Clue #2 is that around the horse's head it also says "Genuine Horse Hide". Also on the handle, the new ones simply say "Chicago", whereas this one also includes the line "made in the USA".

The cloth portion is "Fine Weave Linen Finish", feels quite stiff. I gave it a fresh coat of Dovo white, and oiled up the leather.

Anybody know roundabout when a strop such as this may be from?

For comparrrison, here is what I assume is a newer version:

http://www.classicshaving.com/i/Fromm/Fstrop3.jpg

Seraphim,
Mine is 20 years old, purchased new then. The horse head on yours looks stamped in more nicely than mine. I don't know if that means it's older or younger. Sorry I can't be of more help. Good luck with your search.

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/v...edge/strop.jpg

Thanks.
Yours does have the same "made in the USA" stamp on the handle.

Perhaps the "Genuine" horsehide was some sort of limited edition or something.