This reel is currently up on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161686199013?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Is it a genuine (rare) oddity, or am I just so clueless that I've never seen one before? It looks like an early Mariner, but on the side it only says "DEEP SEA REEL". Plus, of course, that weird wide plastic spool... ???
To quote John Lennon: "Most peculiar, Momma!"
~A~
P.S. I can't conjure up a rational reason to bid on it, so I won't. ::)
Hi Aiala --
So when did we start practicing "rational reasoning"?
Or did I miss a memo?
Best,
Fred
The wide #49 had its beginning in South Africa . Penn then produced a #49A for the South African market. The wide #49 does appear on US Ebay and very rarely you will see one marked on the headplate as #49A . None had a metal spool. There were hot rodders in Sth Africa way back ( Before the AT site) . Mike must have an in depth article in his new book as it was in an edition of the ORCA Reel News Magazine.
So even though it was never in the catalog it is a genuine Penn made reel.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PENN-49-Wide-Spool-Reel-Unusual-/261867742760?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf888a628
Another .
QuoteIs it a genuine (rare) oddity, or am I just so clueless that I've never seen one before? It looks like an early Mariner, but on the side it only says "DEEP SEA REEL". Plus, of course, that weird wide plastic spool
Aiala,
You are not clueless at all, my new book, in chapter 13 tells all about this reel and a few others. You have probably not seen a 49A, but, it is a very real Penn product originating in the 1950's because of the extreme fishing off the South African Atlantic coast. Imagine catching 150 pound Yellowfin Tuna off a rock jettie and you will begin to understand the origins of the wide 49. When this reel was built, there were no fast retrieve surf casting reels with large enough line capacities to throw lures to tuna, the wide 49 was the parent of later high speed reels.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn49AwithnormalandwidePenn49s005640x480_zps102af52f.jpg)
It is very rare to find the original version with the "A" in the logo (they were all exported to South Africa) but Penn did contract a larger number of spools and later sold 49A reels using a standard Penn 49 logo. Finding a wide 49 is not easy at all, but, it is easier to find them without the "A" in the logo.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn49AwithnormalandwidePenn49s001640x480_zps2a00fa74.jpg)
This is an original 1950's 49A from South Africa, the one in the EBay listing is built the same way using parts that may or may not have been exported. The spool is the unique part. The cross bars and stand are interchangeable with a Penn 500 Jigmaster.
I found this wide 49 sometime back, unfortunately it doesn't have the A.
(http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae216/jerseymic/49A/49A001_zps9f5df941.jpg) (http://s973.photobucket.com/user/jerseymic/media/49A/49A001_zps9f5df941.jpg.html)
Mike.
QuoteI found this wide 49 sometime back, unfortunately it doesn't have the A.
That is the later version of the reel. It is neat collectible and also hard to find. There is a South African forum where these wide 49's exist more so than in the USA. Navigating is a learning process but a very worthwhile learning process, with many discoveries and many very interesting people to encounter. Registration is free, like here.
http://www.sealine.co.za/view_forum.php?id=1
Quote from: Penn Chronology on April 29, 2015, 02:30:31 PM
QuoteI found this wide 49 sometime back, unfortunately it doesn't have the A.
That is the later version of the reel. It is neat collectible and also hard to find. There is a South African forum where these wide 49's exist more so than in the USA. Navigating is a learning process but a very worthwhile learning process, with many discoveries and many very interesting people to encounter. Registration is free, like here.
http://www.sealine.co.za/view_forum.php?id=1
Thanks for the link Mike, I will take a look.
Mike.
Thank you for the information. I saw this reel listed and wondered whether there was something wrong with the photo as I'd never before heard of a wide 49. Now I am better informed (though none the wiser ;))
Chris
I see 49a's in various states fairly often in 2nd hand shops here I am sure most have the 'a'. It was the rock and surf reel for many years in South Africa. They are usually pretty cheap I will take a closer look next time. I never owned one. A friend of mine did but we unfortunately destroyed it ballooning for sharks. Will you guys be interested? The thing is how to I get them to the US at a reasonable cost?
QuoteI see 49a's in various states fairly often in 2nd hand shops here I am sure most have the 'a'. It was the rock and surf reel for many years in South Africa. They are usually pretty cheap I will take a closer look next time. I never owned one. A friend of mine did but we unfortunately destroyed it ballooning for sharks. Will you guys be interested? The thing is how to I get them to the US at a reasonable cost?
I do not believe you can ship anything Internationally anymore at a reasonable cost. Shipping on the Penn 49A from South Africa would cost approximately $50.00. No doubt that South Africa is the place to find them. I think they can even be found with the box. The original first version 49A was marked on the reel and the box.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/South%20African%20Reel%20News%20Article/IMG_5893_zpsu13t1mnn.jpg)
The export Jigmaster model is only marked on the box
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/South%20African%20Reel%20News%20Article/IMG057_zpsgl4ugaa6.jpg)
These reel boxes are from the 1960's and they are limited production. So, even though they are more easily found in South Africa, I would think a export box with the "A" printed on the box would command a hefty price in the U.S.A.
These pictures are sent to me from a South African collector.
http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/jsp/tradesearch/TradeSearch.jsp
I have been searching this S.A. site for a long time and most of the wide #49 reels that are listed are "Wide #49's" very few are "#49A's " . Of the three #49's listed right now one is a standard #49 and the other two are wide 49's.
Great thread - thanks for all the insight Mike!
What do the locals in South Africa use as their auction and/or classifieds site. They have Craigslist but don't appear to use it. No EBAY. Any ideas of other online sites whete these rare/elusive vintage south african reels may be found for sale?
SEARCH HERE http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/jsp/tradesearch/TradeSearch.jsp
Search "Penn 49 fishing reel" ...and wide 49 and 49A reels would appear too .if there are any.
Keep your eyes pealed on EBay for 49A's. I have found two over the years. You never know how they will appear. Most people do not realize they are very special models and simply post them as Penn 49's.
Quote from: Superhook on May 05, 2015, 08:49:43 PM
SEARCH HERE http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/jsp/tradesearch/TradeSearch.jsp
Search "Penn 49 fishing reel" ...and wide 49 and 49A reels would appear too .if there are any.
If you do the search and find something you want, the price quoted is Rands, which convert at 12 to 1.
A wide 49 sold for $199.99 on eBay the other day.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261875660875?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
QuoteA wide 49 sold for $199.99 on eBay the other day.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261875660875?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
It is interesting to watch the sales of the wide 49. Many sellers do not know how to present the reel, consequently, people that are searching for the wide models miss the listings and the wide versions sell at a much lower price. This particular seller knew exactly what his was and presented it correctly.
The thing about his presentation is he used my book as a reference to verify the reel's history :D. How could I not be pleased with that?
$199! I am going to do a more serious search for these things, they usually go for around $20 in pawn shops regardless if it is a 49a or a 49
$20+$50 shipping gives you room for profit.
Quote from: Penn Chronology on May 13, 2015, 02:02:36 PM
It is interesting to watch the sales of the wide 49. Many sellers do not know how to present the reel, consequently, people that are searching for the wide models miss the listings and the wide versions sell at a much lower price.
Some folks just seem to be naturally lucky. I most definitely am not, but... well, guess what?? :o
(http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah207/ladyaialaAiala/P1000633_zpsp7saxzvw.jpg)
As Mike says, many sellers do not know how to present these reels. This guy neglected to specify the 'A', (although it was clearly visible on the box), with the result that the reel sat on eBay for an entire week without a single bid or even a watcher besides myself! I couldn't believe my eyes, so naturally I nabbed it for an embarrassing pittance. :D
The side plate just says '49' (rats) but it is nonetheless a reel beauty. Not mint, there are a few tiny spots on the bars and seat, and the rings have some scuffs on top where it looks like some idiot put the reel down on a rough surface, but these are really pretty minor blemishes. I know it is a South African reel because the little red price tag (206.75!) reads "V.A.T. INCLUDED/B.T.W. INGESLUIT" ('ingesluit' is Afrikaans for 'included'.) The seller was in Wisconsin, of all places... how the reel got there from South Africa is doubtless quite a story, but one which will remain a mystery.
Of course the question remains, what am I going to do with it? I'm not a collector, I like to use my reels, but even I know better than to take this one fishing. Guess I'll just squirrel it away until I need to sell it so I can buy something even cooler. ;D
~
A~
You still did good Aiala, I'm sure that box was worth it on its own. Maybe some of these serious collectors here will make you a nice offer you can't refuse. :D
I am interested, but am running a bit short on funds at the moment :-[
...owing to just purchasing a few collector reels, and parts for a Newell 454 narrow full upgrade, and JigMaster 500. Surprising that the head plate is not marked '49A' though.
Aiala you dun good... Dominick
Aiala ,
Well spotted . Good provenance with the 'A' on the box and the South Africa price sticker. A possible Retirement Nest Egg for later when you need the cash .
Ray
Aiala,
I am glad this reel went to someone in the know. The reel is a difficult find in the USA, even without the "A" in the logo; but the box is a treasure. I will not suggest what I think it is worth, at the risk of someone here biting me, I will only say that it is the first "A" marked box I have ever seen in the USA. Boxes never make the round trip back from South Africa. That is a very rare find. The era of the box and the standard logo reel suggest the 1970's, IMHO.
Congratulations on the rare find,
All the Best,
Mike C.
Quote from: Aiala on September 09, 2015, 10:03:39 PM
Quote from: Penn Chronology on May 13, 2015, 02:02:36 PM
It is interesting to watch the sales of the wide 49. Many sellers do not know how to present the reel, consequently, people that are searching for the wide models miss the listings and the wide versions sell at a much lower price.
Some folks just seem to be naturally lucky. I most definitely am not, but... well, guess what?? :o
(http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah207/ladyaialaAiala/P1000633_zpsp7saxzvw.jpg)
As Mike says, many sellers do not know how to present these reels. This guy neglected to specify the 'A', (although it was clearly visible on the box), with the result that the reel sat on eBay for an entire week without a single bid or even a watcher besides myself! I couldn't believe my eyes, so naturally I nabbed it for an embarrassing pittance. :D
The side plate just says '49' (rats) but it is nonetheless a reel beauty. Not mint, there are a few tiny spots on the bars and seat, and the rings have some scuffs on top where it looks like some idiot put the reel down on a rough surface, but these are really pretty minor blemishes. I know it is a South African reel because the little red price tag (206.75!) reads "V.A.T. INCLUDED/B.T.W. INGESLUIT" ('ingesluit' is Afrikaans for 'included'.) The seller was in Wisconsin, of all places... how the reel got there from South Africa is doubtless quite a story, but one which will remain a mystery.
Of course the question remains, what am I going to do with it? I'm not a collector, I like to use my reels, but even I know better than to take this one fishing. Guess I'll just squirrel it away until I need to sell it so I can buy something even cooler. ;D
~A~
NOT A COLLECTOR???? I must admit I choked a bit on that one after the amazing array of conversions and display, meaning not on rods, you posted a couple weeks ago :) J
Quote from: Aiala on September 09, 2015, 10:03:39 PM
Quote from: Penn Chronology on May 13, 2015, 02:02:36 PM
It is interesting to watch the sales of the wide 49. Many sellers do not know how to present the reel, consequently, people that are searching for the wide models miss the listings and the wide versions sell at a much lower price.
Some folks just seem to be naturally lucky. I most definitely am not, but... well, guess what?? :o
(http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah207/ladyaialaAiala/P1000633_zpsp7saxzvw.jpg)
As Mike says, many sellers do not know how to present these reels. This guy neglected to specify the 'A', (although it was clearly visible on the box), with the result that the reel sat on eBay for an entire week without a single bid or even a watcher besides myself! I couldn't believe my eyes, so naturally I nabbed it for an embarrassing pittance. :D
The side plate just says '49' (rats) but it is nonetheless a reel beauty. Not mint, there are a few tiny spots on the bars and seat, and the rings have some scuffs on top where it looks like some idiot put the reel down on a rough surface, but these are really pretty minor blemishes. I know it is a South African reel because the little red price tag (206.75!) reads "V.A.T. INCLUDED/B.T.W. INGESLUIT" ('ingesluit' is Afrikaans for 'included'.) The seller was in Wisconsin, of all places... how the reel got there from South Africa is doubtless quite a story, but one which will remain a mystery.
Of course the question remains, what am I going to do with it? I'm not a collector, I like to use my reels, but even I know better than to take this one fishing. Guess I'll just squirrel it away until I need to sell it so I can buy something even cooler. ;D
~A~
The Reel EBay Queen strikes again. Wow,congratulations!
very nice!
Quote from: thorhammer on September 10, 2015, 03:21:40 AM
NOT A COLLECTOR? ??? I must admit I choked a bit on that one after the amazing array of conversions and display, meaning not on rods, you posted a couple weeks ago. :)
Well, Thor, what I meant was that I'm not a formal
collector collector; you know, Like Dom, Ted, Mike, and the other pros. I guess I'm more of an accumulator, if that makes sense. As I said, I like to be able to fish with my reels; stumbling across that 49A was just a lucky accident (which would never have happened without the knowledge I acquired here on AT). By rights that reel should belong to a genuine Penn collector... and I intend that it eventually will. ;)
~
A~
Accumulator...I like it...my idea of a plinth is on a ready-to-go stick, freshly lined with a swivel on the end. With the possible exception of the Cortez Jigmaster, jury still out on that being a shelf queen pending completion.
An excellent find you have, I'd never heard of such until I read Mike's book, much less seen one.
J