Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Penn - Vintage => Topic started by: 54bullseye on June 01, 2026, 11:11:41 PM

Title: Nice old Penn reel on a Union Hardware Rod
Post by: 54bullseye on June 01, 2026, 11:11:41 PM
Here is a really neat old 1938 I believe Penn 12/0 with the scarce if not rare Door Knob Handle. I got this from a fellow Allan Tani member whom I am sure you all know. I didn't mention his name without asking so I hope he chimes in.
I cleaned the reel lightly and it does show some brass here and there mostly on the spool so I filled it with some beautiful big linen line donated to me by the same gentleman who sold me the reel !!! Very proud to own it !

The Rod is an old and also quite scarce Bamboo double built "Union" model made for Union Hardware in Torrington Connecticut. They made a bunch of small kinda cheap reels along with strap on ice skates, roller skates, small bamboo and steel fishing rods and yes handcuffs LOL !!!

I have seen a few 9/0 to 12/0 Cradle reels but this is the first big game rod I have seen. Anyway they seem to pair well so together they are.
Hope you enjoy the random pictures as I had trouble loading pictures I guess due to size. Here you go and thanks for looking !!      John Taylor

The first picture is from left to right Chris Reed, Me then Doug Whittington another reel collector.This was a fishing trip on Eastman's up in Sea Brook, NH back 8 or so years ago. Doug has Haddock #### all over his shirt LOL !!!!
I had a few other real nice pictures that would not load
Title: Re: Nice old Penn reel on a Union Hardware Rod
Post by: 1badf350 on June 02, 2026, 01:32:08 PM
That looks great John! Love that handle!
Title: Re: Nice old Penn reel on a Union Hardware Rod
Post by: oldmanjoe on June 02, 2026, 04:30:33 PM
Very nice looking rig . It needs a few fish scales clinging on .   >:D