I thought that everyone would enjoy this little story. I was recently contacted by a close friend of mine that builds rods in regards to a couple of reels that needed restoration. The story goes that an acquaintance of his had 2 big saltwater combos that had originally belonged to his father-in-law and had been handed down to his daughter (the gentleman in questions wife). The 2 outfits were of great sentimental value and had been in storage for many years. As his wife's birthday was approaching come this October, he thought it would be a great surprise to have the outfits restored. As the gentleman is a man of comfortable means, cost within reason, was not a problem he informed my friend. My friends' curiosity was perked so he inquired as to why the outfits that were of such sentimental value, had been in storage for a while? The gentleman proceeded to inform him that in 1992 they owned a home in the Miami Florida area when hurricane Andrew hit. They had sustained substantial damage to their home and were forced to put everything that was salvaged into storage, which included these 2 outfits,,,1992! There these outfits remained until this year when this man got the idea of having them restored for his wife so they could be hung on the wall in there new home. This couple have no idea what these outfits are or of their monetary value, not that it would matter to them in this instance. The outfits consist of 1, 14/0 First Generation Penn Senator mounted to a unlimited class round hardwood rod and 1, 16/0 NO Numbers Penn Senator mounted to a Tycoon Bimini King. Both reels are early 1940's era (pre war). The rods are currently in the possession of my friend for restoration, the reels are pictured below with before and after pictures. It is my hope that the couple is happy with the end results and would like to say that it was a pleasure to restore the fine pieces of American history. Hope y'all enjoy the pictures! As there quite a few pictures, it may take a little bit to get them posted.
Wow.....what a provenance!!!! Please follow up with pics of the restored combos!!!
John
Good story. What an honor to restore those old reels. I know they are in good hands and will clean up great. Bill
Good story, nice history there, I am sure you will do the justice, cheers Don.
Nice !
Cool. Lucky the 16/0 didn't bust out the side plate or warp the frame when it hit the floor and bent the harness lug. How did the line look down deeper in the spool?
Quote from: oc1 on August 12, 2021, 06:30:32 PM
Cool. Lucky the 16/0 didn't bust out the side plate or warp the frame when it hit the floor and bent the harness lug. How did the line look down deeper in the spool?
It did have to be a heck of a hit! As for the line, the first 50 yards was pretty much toast as expected, but once I got down about 2/3 through it cleaned up relatively well. Not perfect but acceptable. I did remove the line to another reel, then to a spool and is ready to go back on the reels, reversed. As per the owners request to put the original line back on. I chose to reverse it for aesthetics.
Looks like they were taken care of before going into storage ..they cleaned up well . Good job.
Well Randy, I know you know that you have some very special reels there. Both are pre-war. The first gen 14/0 falls into the rare category. Not too many of them found. The early first gen big reels had 12/0 bridges. Normally a 14/0 would have the same bridge as a 16/0, but yours is a true first gen reel, so the bridge in yours is a 12/0. Would love to see the rods that were mated up with these old timers, if you get a chance.
Mike C.
2 cool reels,,,,,, 8) and great job on fixing them up,,,,,, ;D
Wow. Very nice!
Excellence Mr. Reeltyme. Just a pleasure to observe. Thank you.
sensei, nicely done..... ;D
Really interesting story. I too would like to see the rods.
VERY nice work! whatever your cleaning process is, don't change it, hope your friends are happy with it.
Update: So the outfits have been given to the Mrs. for her birthday. I created a photo diary of the evolution of the reels from their arrival at my shop to their completion. I also did a 2 page write up of a little history of the reels with help from the Penn guru Mr. Mike C. The gentleman that performed the rod restoration added his photos as well. The Mrs., as reported from her husband, was overcome with emotion. I think we "done good!" As the gentleman that performed the rod restoration didn't take the best pictures of the before and after product, the photos I have are not the best. Also, given the beginning condition of the rods, which was unbelievably bad, I think they turned out beautifully although not historically accurate. Attached are a few photos of the rods before and after as well as the completed outfits. I will have to say, it was a "reel" pleasure to work on this project. One I will always remember. Thanks for allowing me to post this little story.
Wow those rods came out nice! Beautiful looking wood.
Very nice end result. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous time capsules
-Ted
Great Job on all of you and the Family has something for Remembrance.
Super job !
Those stick came out beautiful . I like the thread work . But i got to ask , is there a roller top up side down ?
The rods look outstanding and the choice of colors for the vintage looking thread is just incredible, great job!!!
They cleaned up well. She's a lucky woman. Is the one on the bottom hickory?
Quote from: oldmanjoe on October 14, 2021, 03:37:35 AM
Those stick came out beautiful . I like the thread work . But i got to ask , is there a roller top up side down ?
I chuckle that you mention that. I noticed it the first time I saw the rod. The rod maker glued it on with an apoxy. Came out to check it later, saw what he had done and went back inside and poured a drink.
As for the type of wood on the bottom stick, just don't know for sure. When I first saw it, it was grey and falling apart!
Quote from: oc1 on October 14, 2021, 07:44:12 AM
They cleaned up well. She's a lucky woman. Is the one on the bottom hickory?
I think they both hickory One being a Royal Hickory and the other a Scion .
Quote from: oldmanjoe on October 14, 2021, 03:56:11 PM
Quote from: oc1 on October 14, 2021, 07:44:12 AM
They cleaned up well. She's a lucky woman. Is the one on the bottom hickory?
I think they both hickory One being a Royal Hickory and the other a Scion .
The one is a Bimini King, Tycoon Rod. It is the one with the 16/0 on it done in red and black. The other?
The Tycoon looked like a bamboo quad to me, but it's difficult to tell in photos.
Quote from: oc1 on October 15, 2021, 05:17:49 AM
The Tycoon looked like a bamboo quad to me, but it's difficult to tell in photos.
It is built like a Bimini King , Just hard to see the Bamboo character in the sides .
Wouldn't actually do it, but my evil side is thinking "Oh and I went ahead and put the part numbers on the reels for you."
Absolutely stunning work all round!