So, I was slowly walking through the Bellmore, New York Flea Market last week and I saw an old Penn reel sitting on the tail gate of a seller's pick up. I go over to it and look it over. It looks like it might clean up. It was filthy and filled with a mix of mono and wire line. It must have weighed five pounds. Anyways, I ask the seller what he wants for this old junker. He has not had the chance to put it on his table, so he tells me $20.00. I think he felt he was asking for a high price and expected a bit of haggling; but, I just said, You got it and gave him a $20 bill. What I bought was not a super rare reel; but a complete, operating 1938 Penn First gen Silver Beach, Model 97 worth $20 buck any day of the week.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Sillver%20Beach%20Catalog%20Scan%20511%20x%20801_zpshljcls34.jpg)
I go home and strip the reel down. Every piece on this old Model 97 was original. These first models are interesting because so many of their parts are vintage materials as well as vintage parts. Internal parts may be German Silver or chrome plated brass. Their level of quality is not done in later reels.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2097%20003%20676%20x%20507_zpsueehcolc.jpg)
Main and pinion gear on this first gen Silver Beach are steel, not stainless steel; but tool steel and they are strong. The gears in this reel are from 1938 and there is not a hint of corrosion. The drags are in good shape and are made from leather. Normally I would upgrade them; but, this reel will be a shelfie, so I want the drags to be original for correctness sake. If the next owner want to fish the reel, he can change them.
The jack, eccentric cam and bridge plate are either chrome plated brass or German Silver. I am not sure which.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2097%20005%20507%20x%20676_zpsueoybsuu.jpg)
The bottom of the stand is a big vintage give away. Very few Penn models use a stand that is ID stamped like the old Model 97 and Model 98.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2097%20011%20676%20x%20507_zpsj6akmxs9.jpg)
The head plate is set up for right hand use only. When a Left Hand model was special ordered, a Penn Tech had to modify the side plate for left hand use.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2097%20027%20676%20x%20507_zpsvnpfpfei.jpg)
Only the yoke is plain brass in these early models.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2097%20030%20676%20x%20507_zpsktqpk1rs.jpg)
Fully assembled, the color is Silver, not Gold. Only a hint of brass color is showing through the bridge opening.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2097%20044%20676%20x%20507_zpsclyg4nfq.jpg)
The star wheel edges are sharper on the old models and the star wheel is undercut to allow it to fit over the plate bushing, giving a better protection against foreign objects or water from entering the reel.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2097%20045%20676%20x%20507_zpslre7mfvq.jpg)
A testament to the old Penn design is how well it survived to modern days. Even a new, modern tool still fits the old Penn special scalloped handle screw.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2097%20051%20676%20x%20507_zpsupx1effp.jpg)
Picture tail plate plus a waffle cut clicker screams late 1930's.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2097%20063%20676%20x%20507_zpsr07olpfa.jpg)
Fully assembled, 75 years old and it still operates smooth as silk.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2097%20068%20676%20x%20507_zps29dxrvz3.jpg)
Look for the Silver Beaches without any number in the logos. They are the first gen models.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2097%20069%202048%20x%201536_zps8wdi3od3.jpg)
Now as I look at my pile of junk, I have to figure out what my next project will be ??? ??? ???
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2097%20071%20676%20x%20507_zpsslh5ye2y.jpg)
Nice save and thanks for showing us how they used to be built.
I bet that SS eccentric would make for a nice upgrade in a few of the modern models.
Nice find/save Mike! I'm glad you addressed the I.D. stamping because I've always wondered which models came with this stamping. I've got a few and was curious if this was indicative of the year the reel was made or something they did for certain reels over the years. I've never seen the stamping on any Post-War reels.
Thanks for sharing,
Dom
QuoteI bet that SS eccentric would make for a nice upgrade in a few of the modern models.
Hello John,
I do not believe the eccentric is Stainless Steel. I suspect chrome plated brass or German Silver. According to the 1938 catalog, the early reels had German Silver frames. I have seen many early Penn German Silver spools also.
This reel has been very used and used hard. I think it was cared for every year; but, I know it was not babied. It was a mess when I got it. After I took it apart, I was sorry I did not take a BEFORE picture. I did not expect to find the internals as original as they were. I guess all the dirt and grease protected it.
Hello Dom,
QuoteNice find/save Mike! I'm glad you addressed the I.D. stamping because I've always wondered which models came with this stamping. I've got a few and was curious if this was indicative of the year the reel was made or something they did for certain reels over the years. I've never seen the stamping on any Post-War reels.
The ID stamping can be a point of confusion for many collectors. The Silver Beach 98 and 97 was made from 1938 to 1942 and they both had the logo I posted. Neither the logo or the Model 98 returned after the war. When the Silver Beach model returned, it returned as the Model 99 aka pre-war Model 97. Penn brought the Model 99 back in 1949. The years of 1946, 47 and 48 saw no production at all for the Silver Beach model.
Another interesting point about the 1938 model. It is the only Silver Beach model with the old style pear shaped handle knob. In 1939, the handle knob became a Torpedo handle knob. This makes the 1938 model kind of special in another way.
QuoteNice save and thanks for showing us how they used to be built.
Glad you liked the post.
Mike,
I also have a silver beach with the ID stamping, however, it has the torpedo knob. Do you know which models came with the stamping?... I have a 249, 165, and the silver beach with the bottom stamping.
Thanks again,
Dom
QuoteI also have a silver beach with the ID stamping, however, it has the torpedo knob. Do you know which models came with the stamping?... I have a 249, 165, and the silver beach with the bottom stamping.
Thanks again,
As far as I know, only the Silver Beach came with the double stamping. The 249 and 49 should read ""200 Yds No 15"", the 165 and 170 should read "150 Yds No 9""
Here is one that has been in my collection for many years. I don't think I have seen too many like this.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/Img4614_zpsaikt2wer.jpg)
Beautiful reel...love that handle.
You are correct, Mike... My silver beach is the only one with the double stamping.
Your silver beach is in some impeccably mint condition, and I agree with sal... That handle is darn sexy!
I noticed the box says 1936... Would that be correct for the year of that silver beach? ...can't be far off, but I didn't think the torpedo handles were out yet.
Thanks for the drool-worthy photo,
Dom
QuoteI noticed the box says 1936... Would that be correct for the year of that silver beach? ...can't be far off, but I didn't think the torpedo handles were out yet.
The person that wrote that info on the front of the box label was not me or the previous owner. I knew the previous owner, he became ill and sold me the reel. He is no longer with us. So, to answer your question, the info is more than likely incorrect. The first year of the Silver Beach is 1938.
This box and reel combination, in this condition is rare. Even though the information scribed onto the box label is wrong, I would never try to remove it for fear of damaging the label. My estimation of the age of this particular reel is 1941 or 42. No real way of pinning down a exact year because the price on the box was the price of this model from 1938 to 1942. I do not believe the handle knob color indicates a 1939 torpedo. I feel 1939 torpedo handles were all a dark colored knobs and the 1938 models did not use a Torpedo handle at all. So, this is not a 1930's reel; but, it is very close. This handle knob color probably dates the reel closer to the beginning of the war.
QuoteBeautiful reel...love that handle
Me Too! The color on this handle is not usually seen on the early handle blades with the tall counterweight. Maybe it is so dramatic because the reel is NOS; but, I believe it is an odd handle combination.
Good point about the year being incorrect unless you got the only silver beach made in '36😉
My silver beach has a very dark green handle, however, it's not even close to the condition of yours. Wow, 1940's NOS penn reels are tough to come by now a days and even tougher with the box. The seller of that boxed silver beach is smiling now knowing that babies in good hands.
Thanks for the explanation,
Dom
Thanks Dom
That is a beautiful reel Mike!
I just bought a Silver Beach with the early pear-shaped oiler handle from a fellow ORCA member.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/111770220293
It is in pretty rough shape though, and looks as though it has seen some use. I can only hope it will clean up half as nice as Mike's first find.
QuoteI just bought a Silver Beach with the early pear-shaped oiler handle from a fellow ORCA member.
Looking at the reel you bought, it too looks like an original. I am sure it will clean up well. These reels are amazing. They are 75 year old reels that have been heavily used, yet they clean up and return to almost perfect operating reels with very minor work. I wonder how many Chinese and Japanese reels will stand the test of time like the old Penn reels have?
Here are some before and after photos of the 2 first generation Silver Beach reels I recently restored.
The one on the left has a waffle clicker button, and interestingly enough a slotted take-apart/headplate retainer screw that threads into the frame (see second photo below). The one on the right has the Hershey kiss clicker button, and the more typical spring-loaded retainer screw. I suppose the former did not likely come from the factory, or maybe it did and was simply an early version before they setched on the more common, non-slotted, spring-loaded, stamped variety. It may have had a spring at one time as well?
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151023_181448_zpsyovb5zq2.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151023_181448_zpsyovb5zq2.jpg.html)
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151023_181615_zpskrbyzey9.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151023_181615_zpskrbyzey9.jpg.html)
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151023_181814_zpsrs4imkwc.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151023_181814_zpsrs4imkwc.jpg.html)
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_192041_zpsehcky47s.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_192041_zpsehcky47s.jpg.html)
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_200144_zpsryrlobpl.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_200144_zpsryrlobpl.jpg.html)
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_200717_zpsfpcbunkp.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_200717_zpsfpcbunkp.jpg.html)
This first reel was frozen solid. It would not crank, take-apart, the star was frozen, and the clicker nonfunctional. It is now looking much better and is mostly functional. It still needs an eccentric spring, new set of leather drag washers, and the clicker pawl is heavily worn. Otherwise it is extremely smooth, and the freespool is even respectable.
I am still working on the second reel.
Very nice John, be gentle with those beauties. I have never seen a slotted thumb screw, I wonder if it was done by someone :-\.
If not, you might have something really unique.
Sal
Love those old handles on those old stamped reels. I would venture to say that "take apart" screw is someone's creation to prevent it from coming loose or something... They could now put a screwdriver to it.
Maybe make one reel out of the two of them to fit your collection... then save the other for parts?
Good stuff,
Dom
Quote from: Alto Mare on October 25, 2015, 11:37:18 AM
Very nice John, be gentle with those beauties. I have never seen a slotted thumb screw, I wonder if it was done by someone :-\.
If not, you might have something really unique.
Sal
I am trying my best to be gentle, but I guess if one removes the corrosion on plated reels, the base metal is usually exposed. I plan to restrict my restorations to Senators, prewar take-a parts (Coronado, Silver Beach, Squidder, Surfmasters), and any other reel that appears like it was new or can be brought back to mint condition. I may also clean up a few early German silver surf reels, just because they do clean up nice. All other collectable will only get a light service with minimal cleaning.
Quote from: broadway on October 25, 2015, 03:11:23 PM
Love those old handles on those old stamped reels. I would venture to say that "take apart" screw is someone's creation to prevent it from coming loose or something... They could now put a screwdriver to it.
Maybe make one reel out of the two of them to fit your collection... then save the other for parts?
Good stuff,
Dom
The screw sure looks like a stock, period-correct Penn Part, but I'm not sure on this one.
Yea, I was thinking of mixing and matching parts on these reels to get one nicer one for my collection. I may still do so later, but for now I think I will keep 'em both. The headplate on both are chipped, and unfortunately the one with the bigger chip actually is in better condition (other then this). Tailplate, posts, and handle retainer are better on the older reel, stand, and star are better on the later..etc.. maybe I will mix and match them up later.
Just finished up with the waffle clicker Silver Beach. I am happy with the results.
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_160844_zpskwfhixux.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_160844_zpskwfhixux.jpg.html)
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_170206_zpshi6i6rzo.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_170206_zpshi6i6rzo.jpg.html)
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_170336_zps13dbzgsm.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_170336_zps13dbzgsm.jpg.html)
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_170412_zpse08757ni.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_170412_zpse08757ni.jpg.html)
Looking good John! She shined up nicely. Can you take a close up of the take apart screw, so maybe someone can identify it?
Love those handles!
Thanks for showing,
Dom
Here ya go Dom...
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_170615_zps2w2bacxk.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_170615_zps2w2bacxk.jpg.html)
Thanks for posting that photo John... it look like a regular take apart from that angle. How bout a full frontal so maybe someone can tell if the slit is custom or factory.
Dom
Here ya go...
You don't mess around, that was quick!
If it's not factory they sure did a good job... maybe Sal did it with his dremel? ;D
Any ideas from the Penn historians on this site... anyone seen that before?
Pretty cool either way, those suckers get slippery when wet so it made sense to someone.
Thanks,
Dom
While I was at it, I cleaned up a prewar Surfmaster 200 that was in pretty darn rough shape as well.
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_185349_zpssowwhhnq.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_185349_zpssowwhhnq.jpg.html)
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_192620_zpsogbvrvkw.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_192620_zpsogbvrvkw.jpg.html)
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_192810_zpslhayokwr.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_192810_zpslhayokwr.jpg.html)
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_193948_zpsoxhy9eup.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_193948_zpsoxhy9eup.jpg.html)
The handle knob is missing the oiler..hmm..may have to carefully try to press one in.
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_194003_zpsqikhtaxz.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151025_194003_zpsqikhtaxz.jpg.html)
I have been a bit busy and this post got by me. Thanks to Superhook aka Ray from OZ, I have now been informed.
First, I want to bring another Silver Beach into the mix here, This may answer some questions that have been raised about the model.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2098%20020%20676%20x%20507_zpsitcdrttg.jpg)
The is the 1938 Silver Beach--Model 98 and because of this reel, Penn did not put model numbers in the early Silver Beach logos. No model number meant you could use one side plate for two models.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2098%20003%20676%20x%20507_zpsgi13cqpe.jpg)
Also, the slotted screw was a Penn part. This side plate take apart screw is not common; but, not rare. It should be held in place with a small round spring clip the same way the other screws are. If your screw comes out of the plate when it is loosened, then the wire retaining ring is missing.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2098%20010%20676%20x%20507_zpsqdet7rsd.jpg)
Most of the parts of the Model 98 match the Model 97 aka Model 99 in later years.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2098%20005%20676%20x%20507_zpslo3iopqw.jpg)
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2098%20015%20676%20x%20507_zpskpstnahb.jpg)
Except on many Model 98 Silver Beach versions you will find a knurled top rear bar which was meant to install a leather thumb stall. Don't forget, this reel can be categorized a knuckle buster.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Silver%20Beach--1938%20Model%2097--First%20year%20model/1938%20Penn%20Silver%20Beach--Model%2098%20018%20676%20x%20507_zpslb1zlvaj.jpg)
I am a bit pressed for time as we speak, so I will get back to this thread later tonight.
Thanks for bringing some light to that slotted take apart screw...neat find!
I would have assumed custom job because I've never noticed it before.
Good stuff,
Dom
QuoteThanks for bringing some light to that slotted take apart screw...neat find!
I would have assumed custom job because I've never noticed it before.
The slotted screw is not common; but, I have seen a few of them. Keep watch, I think more will come up.
A quick look at the 21 or so recent Silver Beach (modern & non-numbered) EBAY listings turns up all non-slotted takedown retainer screws. None of these listing a waffle cut clicker reels. I will be keeping an eye out for this difference in the future (for curiosity's sake). Once again, thanks for sharing the knowledge Mike!