Thread: Illinois 6452 Strop information/restoration

My father, born 1909, left me a razor strop with the following markings: Illinois Razor Strop Co, Chicago, 6452 & at the other end Barbers Special, Genuine Horsehide. Can anyone tell me how old it is, if it has any value (even though I'd never part with it), etc.?

Also it needs some restoration: it has rouge build up on the canvas / what appears to be mold on the leather (very slight) / I found it folded in half and though it is not creased, it does not hang flat / Finally, it looks like one of us got hold of it when we were young & dumb enough to make a few pretty ragged gouges along both edges of the leather. Should I try to smooth these somehow or just leave them alone (they are not nicks, there is leather missing)?

Any suggestions on how to restore it? I don't plan on using it but would like to pass it down some day in the best condition possible.

Thanks in advance for any help that might be offered.

-SLAdams

The linen can be washed or sponged down with soap. Use saddle soap on the leather.

And don't forget: we love pictures!

Thank you for responding, I appreciate the info.

What kind of soap on the linen? Do I rinse with water after washing it?

Any fabric detergent.

Today I cleaned both the leather & fabric following your advice and the two are hanging separately to dry. They cleaned up nicely; thanks for the tips.

Any idea where I might find information on it's age/value? (with the damaged leather it won't be worth much but it would be nice to know what it would be worth if in excellent condition.

All Illinois strops I've heard mentioned have 3 digit numbers, mine has 4 digits, is this significant?