Assuming (a stretch, but possible) I do sell my Raleigh Track Bike, I would want a more current pair of wheels to use on my Father's Paramount for riding. How difficult is it to find block chain (1" pitch) sprockets? I see Campag Pista hubs are available, for a price, on fleabay, but without a suitable sprocket, not very useful.

I think you'll have more luck searching for a "skip cog". Once you find one you will need to find a hub with the same threading, and a locking ring that fits, which shouldn't be a problem.

I just did an Ebay search for "skip tooth cog" and came up with a dozen results. So they're not exactly growing on trees, but they're not exactly rare, either.

Is the skip-tooth chain used on old American cruisers etc the same as the 1" pitch of old track bikes? Or is there just a superficial similarity?

As far as I know they are the same; these chains were used universally from about 1920's to the 1950's.

"skip tooth" chains are easy to find. "Block chains" are a lot tougher (and more expensive). Block chains are way cooler for a period race bike. But if you are just going to ride it on the road I would go with a standard pitch 1/8" drivetrain. It will be smoother, quieter, and a lot cheaper.

Bike in question:

They don't get much more period than a 1937-8 Schwinn Paramount. I have the chain and chainwheel, wheels, too, as you can see, but they are the original wooden rims and I don't really want to ride them.

IMO it would be a shame to replace that drivetrain with something modern. If you're some fixie kid looking for something to impress your friends, then I don't want anything to do with it.

But I kind of don't think you are, so like I said, just head to Ebay and be prepared to spend $75 or so for just the right thing. It really isn't all that tough to find what you're looking for. If al else fails, you can get ahold of Ted Ernst or Bill Ron (both in Southern California) who will know exactly what you need and send it to you directly - for a price.

WRT the wooden rims - I have put many miles on wooden rims without significant problem. Assuming yours haven't been attacked by termites or what have you, they actually are perfectly serviceable rims.

* I would be remiss if I didn't note that I very much appreciate your advice, but I do suggest consideration of the words used here. Were you a competitor in 6-day racing?

Yes, several decades ago.

Ahhhh, I had the pleasure of working with Jimmy Walthour when we were at Raleigh together.