I was at an antique store and came across a very old paddle strop. It has a round handle, a bit smaller than a mop handle, long oval shape. The handle has a threaded rod coming out and has about 1.5" square plate on the handle end. The threaded rod fits into a long block about 1" square and about 12-14" long. Another 1.5" plate is attached to the end of the block. There is a "loop" of leather going around the entire strop, over the plates. The purpose of the rod is to be able to tighten the leather loop by turning the handle and pushing the block out making the loop tight. The leather has a gap of about 1/4" above the block. The leather is only about 1" wide and shows signs of use.

I have never even heard of a paddle strop this old. Who would have made it?

BTW, i did buy a Genco, Pipe and Binghamton razors there! They had a beautiful Wm & Elliot, carved scales, blade all shiny, but alas the scales were broke at the hinge pin.