BEACHMASTER 160

[Alto Mare]

I just purchased this reels, it is a Beachmaster160. Someone had it up for sale and I just couldn't let it go for that price.
Here are a couple of shots:


This reel was called " light casting reel" , it was in production from appr. 1939 to 1995....for 56 years and making it 73 years old today.
I bet there are many of these beachmasters around , but probably just a handful as this one, with the correct box and catalog.
The catalog is a #8, it is in rough shape , but that's just the first and second page.
The last time I was bidding on the #8 catalog, I believe I gave up at $200, it went for a lot more, but this isn't why I purchased this one. It is in rough shape but I still had to have it.
I did find some interesting informations in it and I wanted to share. Btw, if Penn released a catalog yearly, this one would be from 1940-41.
What caught my eye was this page:

No star drag on the 249...as we already know, but the  149 also didn't have one. I'm not sure you could read the bottom, it shows patent pending, what that tell us is that the first 49/ 149 and 249 were introduced around 1939-40.

Here is also a nice shot of a 312 lb. Blue Marlin landed on a Penn 4/0 (113 Black ) :

Enjoy! Sal

[john2244]

Great buy Sal !!!    Good info in the old catalogs, I think my oldest is a #17.  Very interesting about the older 149's not having a star.  I am going to start looking for one of those reels.

Thanks for posting,

John

[Cone]

Nice Sal. I love looking at old catalogs. Don't you wish you could still buy that reel for the price on the box.  Bob

[Alto Mare]

Bob, I almost paid that much . That 73 year old reel, loaded with all of that history, should have a couple of zeroes following that 6. It always amazes me that we can find these treasures for so little.

John, did you notice the sharp taper on the knob, the ridges on the counterbalance handle and eccentric lever?

[john2244]

I did notice the knob and the first thing I did was check my 160.  My is newer and different.  I can't really see the ridges in your pics but I knew they were there.  My 155's and 165 have the ridges on the eccentric but not my 160.
John

[Alto Mare]

If that's the case, I see a possibility of a trade .

[George4741]

Nice catch and interesting info in the old catalog.

[broadway]

Sal,
    Great score, and in sweet condition, too!
Love the oldies,
Dom

[Joel.B]

So pretty. I just love the way these old Penns look and feel. That box and catalogue really takes you time-traveling doesn't it?


I am guessing you wont be "Tanking" this one?

DO you display these in your home somewhere? or do you just squirrel them away with plans to use them as currency when the global economy collapses?