As a kid, c. 1975 or so, I was in the Five and Dime store. They were stocking wood spanking paddles. I believe there where four to choose from each with a "humorous" caption and illustration. Did you ever encounter this? Is it rather bizarre?
I remember seeing those all the time in variety stores when I was a kid. I also remember our vice principal had one without any cutsie pie sayings hanging on the wall in his office. He also used it on certain kids. Or, at least, that's what we were told.
I also have a new friend that I believe has at least one in his basement. Just a guess though.
I remember the real ones. You could tell who really liked using them. That person would have 50 to 100 holes drilled in the flat part so there would be less wind resistance.
I saw at least one store with paddles in it but I am not completely sure that they were for spanking. I saw another store with spanking implements in it.