Some time ago I picked up a black Spinfisher 710. Before buying it, I searched the net quite thoroughly, including this forum, so I was about 99% sure I was getting an original black Spinfisher and not just a repaint.
From what I've gathered, according to Ben Wright's Reel Guide, Penn experimented in 1966 with black paint finishes on the 710 - both smooth and textured versions. Apparently, the black finish wasn't very well accepted, and Penn continued producing the green Spinfishers for another decade (until the Z-series). Production numbers are said to be around 400 of each black finish, and only about 10–100 units of the 711 in black.
So my question is: what do you think - is my reel original, or could it still be a repaint?
It all looks original to me.
For example, the dimpled black paint, the silver badging, the black spool, all of the black inside that has what looks like the original grease in the gear case, and no tell-tale signs of being a repaint. Big tell for me would be the black side plate that appears original, as well as the black plastic spool (which also appears original and would be very hard to hide a repaint).
Good find!
I had one of those nearly new in a box a few years ago. Sold it for about $300.
Best, Fred
Phew, that's a beauty! I thought mine was clean, until I just saw yours. You got me beat hands down lol. Not that I'm a collector or a pro, but that sure looks authentic to me. Definitely a nice score there!
Every weird reel Penn has ever produced ends up here eventually
The 711 blackie is the rarest of all Penns. Less than 20 known to exist in the collector world. I know Chris has one mint in box, and Tommy also has a black 711 mint in box
Fred's endorsement is all you need.
Great find indeed!
Thanks for sharing it.
All the best (and welcome!),
Justin
It sure looks original to me from those photos, and on pretty nice condition to boot. I can't see any evidence of repaint. As Fred pointed out, the dimpled/textured paint and black plastic spool seem pretty definitive.
Nice find.
And, BTW, thank you, Ted, for providing me with both the black 711 & 710. :al Both are in original boxes and have the correct paperwork/pamphlets. ;D
Wow, that was quick - thank you so much for all your answers!
Yes, this one really is in mint condition, and that was exactly the reason I wasn't 100% sure it was original. I'm an old reel collector, but I also enjoy fishing with these reels. With this one, though, I'll have a hard time taking it off the shelf and actually mounting it on a rod.
I'm a big Penn (Spinfisher) fan, but here in Europe old Spinfishers are quite hard to find and usually cost more than $100. I got this one for a fairly reasonable price - probably because the seller didn't realize what kind of jewel he had in his hands.
Why is the paint dimpled on the outside but smooth on the inside of the reel? My first impression was it had been sand blasted and repainted after the green started chipping off. But I don't know anything about dimpled paint.
I've got a black 710 with the dimpled paint. It's rare and unique