Strop is made of leather. Seems to be one continuous piece around two sides and two ends. Cracks near ends show cotton backing. Inside leather part is split down the middle, but printing is still legible: "HOWARD'S PATENT ADJUSTABLE ELASTIC RAZOR STROP, Patented July 25, 1871." Other side has illegible printing. Screw arrangement and revolving handle enables a person to tighten the tension on the strop. Green braided string held in end by pressure, used to attach to wall.
Person: Jonathan Fairchild Organization: Homestead National Monument of America Position: Historian Address: 8523 W State Hwy 4, Beatrice, NE 68310 Email: jonathan_fairchild@nps.gov
Person: Amy Neumann Organization: Homestead National Monument of America Position: Museum Technician Address: 8523 West State Hwy 4, Beatrice, NE 68310 Email: amy_neumann@nps.gov