Please post your questions about the chronological history of this reel, or your reel, in this post.
This reel was first listed in the Penn catalog of 1939 as a light tackle casting reel and would hold 200 yards of #9 linen line. In 1941 the catalog description was changed to a light tackle "surf" reel; likely a marketing strategy. In the 1952-53 Penn catalog the name was changed to the Beachmaster.
The 155 introduction is tricky. It is introduced in 1939; but, not until the second edition of the 1939 catalog. This is one of those confusing points that stumped collectors for years. Many 1939 #7 catalogs do not show the 155 in their pages.
I have never seen a color cover printed in the second edition. Only the plain cover box catalogs had a second printing.
OK so my favorite UPS driver shows up with a recent auction purchase, a Model 155, and realizing you can never be sure of what you are getting when buying from an auction, low and behold it was a non-numbered Model 155 with three strand linen (?) line....not a perfect specimen, the handle nut was buggered with needle nose pliers, but NO NUMBERS!!!!...with a light house tail plate and stippled handle plate, counter weight does not have a coin edge, but WooHooo, my first pre-war reel....I know this through Mike's book, but the question is did the 155 have the same tail plate picture through out, and was the "Beach Master" name ever on the reel? Also, what to do with the linen line... ???
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj632/Fubarciw/fishing%20equip/SAM_2607.jpg)
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj632/Fubarciw/fishing%20equip/SAM_2606.jpg)
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj632/Fubarciw/fishing%20equip/SAM_2608.jpg)
Nice!! strip line and wash in Dawn, then reline and park that baby on a split bamboo surf rod or at least an ole-skool Harnell and hang it!!!
Great little reel, Bill --
If you are going to display it, the old linen line makes a nice display -- like John sez.
If you are going to use it -- strip off the line -- but save it for another old display reel -- then spool up with mono.
The experts will chime in about the names and such, Mike, Ray, Ted, John, and others.
If you do not have a non-numbered handle nut -- let me know, I should have one to send you.
I know that handle is a little pitted -- but it is a beautiful example of the old marbled green. Most of the 155s have amber, ivory, yellow, or red. I really like the green, particulary that one.
Good find.
Best,
Fred
Quotethe question is did the 155 have the same tail plate picture through out, and was the "Beach Master" name ever on the reel?
The picture plate is very common to the Beachmaster; but, there could be examples with a Stippled tail plate also. I do not believe the beach Master name was ever placed on the reel itself.
That is a very nice example of the model, looks like a 1940's, possibly pre-war; but more than likely late 1940's. Very difficult to say exactly what year with a box or catalog.
Were all of the left hand retrieve 155 models marked 155LH?
QuoteWere all of the left hand retrieve 155 models marked 155LH?
Early models were not marked on the reel. The early markings were on the box. Later reels were marked LH. The marking of the Left Hand reel side plates sort of coincided with the beginnings of Penn Part Numbers. I do not think any pre-war Penn reels had Left Hand markings on the reels.
Thanks for the reply! Here's some pics of the one I just received. I'm a complete newbie when it comes to these vintage penns.
That's gonna be a good looking reel after a clean up.....Bill
QuoteThanks for the reply! Here's some pics of the one I just received. I'm a complete newbie when it comes to these vintage penns.
Early Penn reels were made different from the later marked left hand reels. If you open the reel, you may find a very weird left hand set up. More modern left hand reels move the dog over to the other side of the bridge housing. Early left hand reels leave the dog mounted to the same screw; but change the way the dog engages.
This one has the weird left hand setup. It's mounted on the same screw as all the other right hand reels I have. I'll snap some pics of the dog setup and post them here next time I have it apart. Any idea on a year range for this reel?
Here is an example of an early left hand Penn reel.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Left%20Hand%20Reels/Figure6%20814%20x%20385_zpsa9muc30u.jpg)
The left hand dog arrangement is on the right. Yours may be like this.
Quote from: Dustin0330 on August 01, 2016, 10:05:50 PM
Any idea on a year range for this reel?
It's got no part numbers, no number stamp on the foot, a Hershey kiss clicker and a handle with a tall, coin-edged counter-weight. Looks like an early 40's reel to me. Hopefully someone else will come along if there is a way to nail it any closer. No idea if there is any documentation about when they redesigned the head plate and started putting LH dogs on the opposite post...
Sid
Thanks for all the info! The dog arrangement in my 155 is a little different from both of those. I'll pull it back apart tomorrow afternoon and snap a few pics.
QuoteHopefully someone else will come along if there is a way to nail it any closer. No idea if there is any documentation about when they redesigned the head plate and started putting LH dogs on the opposite post...
It is a late 1940's reel. Penn 155's are very alike. Mostly, to get a particular reel dated to n exact year, tou need a package of box and catalog along with the reel.
As far as I know, there is no documentation of when Penn moved from the hand altered plates I pictured to the right and left hand convertible plates. I would make a guess the transition was post war, late 1940's.
My first Penn was a 155...caught some nice catfish on that old bird. The more modern reel I replaced it with lasted about 2 seasons. >:( I bet somebody somewhere is still winding them in on that old 155! :D
Quote from: mo65 on August 03, 2016, 03:46:02 PM
My first Penn was a 155...caught some nice catfish on that old bird. The more modern reel I replaced it with lasted about 2 seasons. >:( I bet somebody somewhere is still winding them in on that old 155! :D
Consider what the reality is -- in these statements about a Plain-Jane, White Bread, old and inexpensive fishing reel -- that dates back 2 or 3 generations...
This dead-simple, clever, and proven reel design has spanned the test of time.
Much like a trusted Uncle that we can always go to for solid advice...
Or, similar to a business that we can always count on to be fair, open, and reliable...
Penn is that company -- compared to all of the latest and greatest new reels that have come out -- and lasted for a year or two -- most designs have copied Penn to some extent.
Is Penn the best reel out there today? Maybe, or maybe not -- but we all are still using them to catch fish very capably. Plus, all of our upgrades are still based on the original Penn platform and design.
And why leave an old friend for a new one?
Better to have two friends...
We must give credit where it is due -- plus appreciate and be grateful for what we already have.
Just my opinions...
Best,
Fred
Well said brother....just so happens yesterday a friend offered me a boat ride to troll for salmon on the Sacramento River, the only rod and reel I grabbed was and old Squidder and well worn rod. He commented "thats really old school, and really cool". My comment was "it works every time, all the time and still catches fish". Didn't catch fish last night, but I caught him taking "loving glances" at the set up.....I might have to root around and get him an "old school" rig..... ;D Bill
The Penn #155 LH was $10.50 between 1951 & 1955 . In '56 the price went up.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Penn-Beachmaster-155LH-Vintage-fishing-reel-NO-RESERVE-/191891990151?hash=item2cada76687%3Ag%3ASPsAAOSwnNBXWJ6H&nma=true&si=ER1JQH01guQg2P7793IPwGEeETM%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Here is an Ebay example with the box and Reel marked with LH . The reel has the LH in the headplate logo.
Here's a pic of the dog arrangement on this 155.
QuoteHere's a pic of the dog arrangement on this 155.
That is exactly the same as the dog arrangement I have previously pictured in this thread, except for how you have placed the tail of the dog spring. To have the dog operate properly, the spring has to load the dog for upward pressure on the bottom of the dog sleeve gear. The plate has to be milled to allow for space to place the tail of the spring, as you see in my photos.
Your dog and spring assembly is the same as mine. When Penn created a left hand reel back in the 1930's and 40's, they made a cut onto the dog for the purpose of retaining the dog spring while bending the spring around the body of the dog. The plate had to be milled out to create a pocket for the low needed travel of the dog itself and a place to lay the dog spring tail. I believe yours should be mounted the same way mine is, not the way you have the spring placed. Your plate is milled out for the lower placement of the dog.
You're absolutely right! Please excuse my inexperience with these vintage Penns. I reassembled the reel exactly how I found it, and obviously the last person to have it apart wasn't as knowledgeable about them as you guys. Thanks again for all the assistance.
You did good, Dustin --
That is how we all learn -- plus how would we know if you did not post such good pics?
If you keep up the learning curve -- soon you will be teaching others and offering advice on this site.
Appreciate you bringing this old soldier back to life --
If you need any parts -- let me know.
Best,
Fred
Thanks Fred! I hope to bring many more of them back to life. I don't see any reason to spend the big money it takes to buy a quality reel these days when these old Penns are perfectly capable of doing what I need them to do.
QuoteYou're absolutely right! Please excuse my inexperience with these vintage Penns. I reassembled the reel exactly how I found it, and obviously the last person to have it apart wasn't as knowledgeable about them as you guys. Thanks again for all the assistance
Glad to help.
Hello, my name is Sam, new here. I posted a couple photos of my grandfather's Penn No. 155 I'm in the process of cleaning up. I don't think it was been used in at least 30 years. Wondering how to date it. Thank you :)
Your reel has part numbers so it is post ca. 1950. These reels were manufactured through 2003, so it's tough to to say for sure. I believe the red handles either that type of counterweight are typical of early 1960s reels.
Quote from: Tightlines666 on August 18, 2016, 08:38:45 PM
Your reel has part numbers so it is post ca. 1950. These reels were manufactured through 2003, so it's tough to to say for sure. I believe the red handles either that type of counterweight are typical of early 1960s reels.
Figured it was 60s, most of his stuff is from that era. I plan on using it when it's back in shape. I think it looks pretty good for sitting in the basement for the past 30 years. Took it off of an old bamboo rod he had.
I think this is a 30 lb reel is that correct? Also I have no idea how to cast a reel like this, I've used spinners my whole life, any advice? Thanks
How do you rate a 30# reel? Will it hold 30# line-yes, it will also hold 130# braid. Will it hold 30# of drag-no. The usual is 15-25# mono for surf casting but you can use any kind or weight line that you want to. You could even use 65# braid which is about the same diameter as 15# mono. But is it a 30# reel---no. If you need a 30# reel step up to at least a Jigmaster at a minimum.
Quote from: RowdyW on August 20, 2016, 09:20:36 PM
How do you rate a 30# reel? Will it hold 30# line-yes, it will also hold 130# braid. Will it hold 30# of drag-no. The usual is 15-25# mono for surf casting but you can use any kind or weight line that you want to. You could even use 65# braid which is about the same diameter as 15# mono. But is it a 30# reel---no. If you need a 30# reel step up to at least a Jigmaster at a minimum.
I'm a newbie, this is my grandfather's old reel, honestly I don't know much of what you're talking about :/ I found the manual online:
https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/ReelSpecs/PennBeachmaster.aspx#specs (https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/ReelSpecs/PennBeachmaster.aspx#specs)
Guessing the max of 30lb mono line is 250 yards?
Also what is the best way to oil the gears? I tried taking the handle off and getting into the gear box but the handle bottle is on solid. Thank you all for the help. Here's a pic of it cleaned up a bit better:
"Edited as per Moderators to correct Scott's Bait & Tackle over to their new store name Mystic Reel Parts / www.mysticparts.com"
Look for a totorial on your reel on this site on how to service your particular reel. Also you will have to get the proper tools & supplies together before disassembling the reel. You will need the proper wrenches & screwdrivers to start with. Then you will need the right oils, greases, & cleaners. By the way the gears take Marine Grease not oil. Marine Grease should be used to guard against saltwater intrusion, corrosion, & lubication. Marine compatable oils should also be used in the right locations. The screw that holds the handle on will come off with the proper wrench. The outer circumference of screws will have to be removed to remove the plate for servicing. Then after the plate is removed you can remove the 4 screws in the center on the raised portion of the plate & everything will drop out. Disassemble on a clean work table with a cloth underneth to catch the small parts that come out, especially the tiny AR dog spring. Then clean all the parts, lube, & reassemble. Have fun :D Rudy
Thanks Rudy. I'll have to get one of those Penn wrenches I saw in the manual. The clicker sounds nice just seems like I hear a little slippage. The spool doesn't turn in some spots and sounds funky. I gotta get in there! Glad I found this site, I'm having a lot of fun researching this stuff. Wish I decided to do this in May but the stripers bite good around here in the fall.
Are all the Penn wrenches Universal or do I need a specific one? I saw they are cheap enough. Thanks again!
There are mainly 2 sizes & both are on the same wrench. AT has a heavy duty one for $15 + s&h. PM me your address & I'll send one that comes with a new reel N/C. Rudy
Quote from: RowdyW on August 21, 2016, 11:03:00 PM
There are mainly 2 sizes & both are on the same wrench. AT has a heavy duty one for $15 + s&h. PM me your address & I'll send one that comes with a new reel N/C. Rudy
PM (email) sent. Thanks Rudy.
Rudy, just got my wrench today in the mail. You're the best. Can't wait to see what's going on in the guts of my reel. Probably hasn't been greased in 40+ years. Thanks again! :)
Just tore it down. Not exactly sure what to look for. The little copper/brass? Piece popped out when I loosened the last screw. It looks pretty clean. I did oil it up a few weeks ago without taking it down. The drag washers all look pretty good.
JDM.....it's too late, no going back, you are gonna end up like the rest of us, brushing your teeth with the same tooth brush you use for cleaning old reels, fingers stained with grease..... ;D welcome to fishing reel repair, commonly called the dark side......the flat slightly bent brass piece is the anti reverse dog spring and the triangle piece with the hole in the last picture is the anti reverse dog. During reassembly the spring will need to be inserted in a way as to apply pressure against the dog to engage the toothed end of the gear sleeve. This link to the 116 Senator, even though much bigger will give you a step by step process....good luck and welcome to the dark side....Bill
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=1792.0
Quote from: TARFU on August 27, 2016, 11:18:13 PM
JDM.....it's too late, no going back, you are gonna end up like the rest of us, brushing your teeth with the same tooth brush you use for cleaning old reels, fingers stained with grease..... ;D welcome to fishing reel repair, commonly called the dark side......the flat slightly bent brass piece is the anti reverse dog spring and the triangle piece with the hole in the last picture is the anti reverse dog. During reassembly the spring will need to be inserted in a way as to apply pressure against the dog to engage the toothed end of the gear sleeve. This link to the 116 Senator, even though much bigger will give you a step by step process....good luck and welcome to the dark side....Bill
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=1792.0
Thanks Bill. Is Scotch or tequila a good helper with this process? It has given me the gusto I need to finish lol! You all are so helpful. Having a lot of fun figuring it all out!
Having an issue, can't get the eccentric back in. What do I do? Found a decent video on YouTube with a 155L but it's not very detailed. I also had it all together and the gears weren't turning properly. They all look good. I'm lost.
Quote from: JohnDeereMoxie on August 28, 2016, 04:48:58 PM
Having an issue, can't get the eccentric back in. What do I do? Found a decent video on YouTube with a 155L but it's not very detailed. I also had it all together and the gears weren't turning properly. They all look good. I'm lost.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oXKJAeVMkM
Here is the video. It says and shows you can flip the clutch lever upside down and use it to bring the eccentric into position, I cannot do this with mine. The threads of the eccentric are level with the plastic. I have tried several positions and it will not work what am I doing?
You are probably engaging the ecc. spring in the notch when dropping the ecc. into the plate & the bottom of the spring is sitting on the step in the plate. Try installing the ecc. with the spring out of the notch until the lever & screw are snugged down. Then using needle nosed pliers twist the spring into the notch. Also the gears will not turn smoothly until the spool & plates are assembled to hold the pinion gear in a straight alighnment. Rudy
Quote from: RowdyW on August 28, 2016, 05:24:31 PM
You are probably engaging the ecc. spring in the notch when dropping the ecc. into the plate & the bottom of the spring is sitting on the step in the plate. Try installing the ecc. with the spring out of the notch until the lever & screw are snugged down. Then using needle nosed pliers twist the spring into the notch. Also the gears will not turn smoothly until the spool & plates are assembled to hold the pinion gear in a straight alighnment. Rudy
Thanks Rudy! Did some tweeking just before you posted this and I got it! My first reel repair! My grandfather would be proud. Big thanks to you and the others! Sounds a lot better! Feels a lot smoother too! What's a good way to keep the salt corrosion down?
Rinse it with fresh water & wipe it down. Lots of things will help protect it from the salt like wax, oily cloth, silicone, etc.
Quote from: RowdyW on August 28, 2016, 07:10:29 PM
Rinse it with fresh water & wipe it down. Lots of things will help protect it from the salt like wax, oily cloth, silicone, etc.
Will do. Thanks
I split off the questions about the handle and the "B" marking into this thread on handles http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=19873.0
Sid
Quote from: Penn Chronology on November 26, 2016, 01:29:57 AM
I someone figures out what the "B" means I will be happy. I have never known and always wondered about it.
Mike, Sid & Basto, here is my take: These handles were the very beginning of the new part number system and stamping numbers onto the part(Late 1940's era). I've seen dozens of the B or S stamped handles and one thing I found they all had in common was 1949-1950 era, and the "tumbled" finish. Those B handles can be found on the less expensive Penns like long beach, Delmar, 155, some 259's and a few others. I've yet to find a B handle on a small senator from same era, and I've yet to find a polished handle with the B stamping.
I may be all wrong, and in that case, please forget I ever mentioned anything ;D ;D
Ted
Quote from: Maxed Out on November 26, 2016, 01:46:17 AM
I may be all wrong, and in that case, please forget I ever mentioned anything ;D ;D
Ted
Ted, your observations stand on their own. They cannot be wrong. These are good observations, and I know more now than I did before. We're lucky to have you here. Penn began numbering parts right around this time, so maybe in the beginning of parts numbering they wanted to designate the less-expensive, tumbled-finish handles to keep them separate.... but wouldn't the part number itself do that sufficiently? So why a "B"? Maybe we can assemble a list of the reels that came with handles with this designation and maybe that will show us something?
Sid
When I looked at my 155 recently, I just wanted to spool it up and fish it. So after replacing a few well weathered parts, I put some braid for backing under some 15 lb monofilament.
Then I put a 30-200 stand, a set of posts from my 3/0 which I narrowed, a different handle and a better eccentric lever.
The first pic is obviously before I modified it.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/P1040574_zpsa9wlkyux.jpg)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/155b_zpsyrkm2bkv.jpg)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/155%20a_zpsxy3f9c6s.jpg)
I put it on my 10 ft surf rod which I made from a Pacific Composites 6-10kg blank.
First cast was good. Second cast got an over run. Third cast got the line behind the spool.
The line got behind the spool a couple of times, but I think I can cure this with practice.
I did not catch any fish, but had a great time using the reel.
cheers
Basto
Greta mod brother.....but we are gonna have to talk about your reel seat.... ;) Bill
Quote from: basto on January 29, 2017, 12:17:23 AM
The line got behind the spool a couple of times, but I think I can cure this with practice.
Hi Basto,
I've had the same trouble with mono under 20lb. on these plastic spools. They were designed to use linen or Dacron and perform better with them...at least in my experience. Modern braids with a mono leader work pretty good also. Don't forget to try grease or a heavier oil in the bearings. It will take some speed off the spool, which serves my casting skills
much better than 12 minutes of freespool. 8)
Quote from: TARFU on January 29, 2017, 01:27:25 AM
Greta mod brother.....but we are gonna have to talk about your reel seat.... ;) Bill
Hi Bill
That`s a quick release reel seat made by Fuji. The best part about them is that you can change them to a different position on the rod very quickly also.
I have 3 of them in different sizes.
Basto
Hi Mo
Funny you mention linen and dacron. That is what was on the reel when I bought it.
Basto
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a601/george8322/linen%20line_zps7f5ihq6b.jpg)
Never seen that seat before, very clever brother.....great job on that 155..... I have one and it's non-numbered and came with linen also.....Bill
I saw a 155 listed cheap because it had a busted tail plate. I dug into my stash and found the correct plate. Looking the eBay pics over, I determined this was one of those ones that would clean up real nice, so I pounced on it. The pic below is the reel as received...let's dig in!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48848730053_18139df870_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqAvzF)
The first thing I noticed was this bent ring. It was a decent ring other than that little dent...time for some body work.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48849279827_82fd245daf_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqDk1x)
I used that busted plate as a "form" to reshape the dented part. These side by side pics show how I corrected the shape by tapping with the wooden handle of a file.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48848730868_f3899cf5c9_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqAvPJ) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48849280632_f3e2691028_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqDkfq)
Check out the before and after shots of the stand...dramatic! The only spot that lost any chrome is that one little corner.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48848730103_a8a1f3d0e6_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqAvAx) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48849088036_529febdb49_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqCkZN)
More before and after photos. The bridge was completely disassembled, cleaned, re-greased, and the original leather drags were returned.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48849088661_fe51a86664_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqCmbz) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48849280132_2fc2650319_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqDk6N)
As always, all I use are simple kitchen cleaners. Dish soap, WD-40, baking soda, and vinegar. I have yet to see a reason to used anything else!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48848730603_0205a9ef50_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqAvKa) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48849280327_36fceacfdb_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqDkaa)
I'm very pleased with the outcome. 8)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48849279717_0a0f76227e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hqDjYD)
Very nice cleanup Mo. They start out looking soo terrible people think they aren't worth anything, cost wise. I hope you got a smokin' deal on it with the broken plate, everyone has a parts 155. They are one of my favorite for salmon fishing, and I started with them. I use Jigmasters now.
Great job, Mike!
Is that going to be a cat-fisher or a shelf-fisher?
Best,
Fred
That looks great, Mo !! Don't throw tht broken plate away...if you have no use for it..I do ! ;)
Hi Mo That is an amazing job you did on that reel, Wow.
I use the same cleaning products as you do, but you certainly get them bling compared to mine.
I love the 155's, something about them....
I also have a "few" reels sitting there, with broken tail plates, I too keep an eye out on Ebay to try and pick parts up.
I strip and clean the reel up, then, I put away in those plastic containers with lids, until I find the parts needed.
Her indoors is now complaining about her missing tupperware containers ;D
Nice job on your reels Mo
Col
Quote from: Crow on October 05, 2019, 11:08:16 PMDon't throw that broken plate away...if you have no use for it..I do ! ;)
Sure thing Crow. I used the bearing...but I have a feeling what you want is that bearing thread ring...or whatever ya call that thing...HA! ;D
Quote from: milne on October 05, 2019, 11:33:50 PM
I use the same cleaning products as you do, but you certainly get them bling compared to mine.
I'm posting my successes Col...not all the failures! :D Seriously though, it all depends on what you start with. This reel was more dirty than corroded. Corrosion is bad...dirt is better..."mint in box" saves a lot of time! 8)
Yeah, the threaded nut. I can't figure out what "Size" that thread is...or I'd try making some.
Quote from: Crow on October 06, 2019, 01:38:00 AM
Yeah, the threaded nut. I can't figure out what "Size" that thread is...or I'd try making some.
PM me your shipping address...I'll send you that busted plate.
Great job on that 155 MO
Love your work ;D
Regards
AC49