I'm just curious as to the rarest Penn ever made is?
I'd also like to know what models I should look for when I stop at yard sales, flea markets, estate sales and pawn shops....
PJ
If you are really interested in OLD & RARE Penn reels a good start would be to buy Mike Cacioppo's book It will save you money quickly.
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=12861.0
Ray
Depends if you are talking a normal production model that had a very short life, PJ --
Or a rare one-off?
Mike or Ray will answer the first question -- plus Mike's book will tell you much about this subject.
I might venture that Dom's RED sideplate 9/0 115 would be my first choice to answer the one-off question.
Best,
Fred
I might be mistaken but the Penn Model 286 is hard to come by....
One of the Rarest would be Mike's 1932 prototype Model F .
For production list reels the Ocean Side 34-37 are very difficult to find and the number found has been very low.
Ray
The category is difficult. As Fred said, are we talking about One-off models, prototypes, special orders reels, presentation reels and on and on. There are many. Ray mentioned my prototype Model F. As far as I know, it is the first Penn reel and extremely rare; but, since I own it, it has been found. There are models that have not been found yet. The 1933 Sea King is a mystery. It is in the 1933 catalog; but, none have been found yet. As Ray said, the Ocean Side models of the early 1930's are very rare, all of them. The 1933 Bay Side is also a very rare Penn reel.
QuoteI might be mistaken but the Penn Model 286 is hard to come by....
No doubt, the Delmar Model 286 is hard to find; but, calling it rare is in the eye of the beholder. I do not call a 286 rare, it is exactly what Tarfu called it, hard to come by. I have sold two of them in the last few months and still have one. Over the years I have had at least a half dozen 286 models. I would say the 286 Delmar box is much harder to find than the reel.
Penn has so many years of production, that a collector has quite a few rare models to search for. That's what makes it a fun brand. And here at the Tani site, if it is not rare, we can build it into a rare reel because of all the custom reel builds and deep thinking hobbyists that reside within these pages. ;D
I guess I'm more interested in the hard to find models that if I come across I can buy and pass on to someone here
Quote from: pjstevko on April 09, 2016, 01:10:23 AM
I guess I'm more interested in the hard to find models that if I come across I can buy and pass on to someone here
Any prewar (nonbered/no visable parts numbers) reels, any reel with a waffle style clicker, any reel with obvious German silver parts, (not chromed bronze), any reel with a large coin-edged handle counterweight, any Senator with a first Gen style gearbox (i.e. freespool lever is behind reel'seat centerline), and any new on box/complete package earlier reels.
Just a few good rules of thumb to go by/ look for. Be aware when bidding on desirable reels (on online sites), you may just be driving the price up against a fellow member/collector though.
If your interested in this stuff, you should really get Mike's books.
For one-offs -- Tony & Tom from Penn sent me this pic of a green plated 4/0 Senator.
For those of you on the Penn plant tour -- you will see this in the display case in the Lobby.
Right now, Mike's two books (Bibles) about Penn History and Price Values -- are on sale at Whitefish Press.
http://www.whitefishpress.com/
Best,
Fred
Here are some that are pretty rare. First Generation (5 O'clock handle) Penn Senator 16/0, clear plate Long Beach, Red plate Long Beach Long Beach Deluxe, 1938 49 Deep Sea Reel and Gus Walz Tuna King.
Thanks for the Kudos.
Quote from: foakes on April 09, 2016, 01:54:52 AM
For one-offs -- Tony & Tom from Penn sent me this pic of a green plated 4/0 Senator.
That is really cool...and the green is a unique shade...nothing like the bright green 26s or the teal green levelwinds. 8)
I'll add another to the mix. A 1st generation 9/0 with outside access drags.
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the reel boxes. Many are far more valuable than the reel and much more difficult to find.
-Ted
How about a Penn DelMar 286 with box?
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj632/Fubarciw/fishing%20equip/20170314_155146.jpg)
How about a left hand 349? I have one and would consider buying more, depending on my funding at the time.... right now is a good time, I can not avoid paying jobs for the last month.
Gee, I once had a lefty 349h but I traded it for a black plated 500 jigmaster. Now who did I trade with ? ??? ??? ??? ;D ;D Rudy
Quote from: Maxed Out on May 23, 2017, 04:46:30 PM
I'll add another to the mix. A 1st generation 9/0 with outside access drags.
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the reel boxes. Many are far more valuable than the reel and much more difficult to find.
-Ted
How about a 9/0 with Red Side plates?!
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=12546.0
??? :o
Quote from: RowdyW on May 23, 2017, 09:18:58 PM
Gee, I once had a lefty 349h but I traded it for a black plated 500 jigmaster. Now who did I trade with ? ??? ??? ??? ;D ;D Rudy
;D
Quote from: pjstevko on April 08, 2016, 11:16:40 PM
I'm just curious as to the rarest Penn ever made is?
PJ
Not sure PJ, I'm still looking for one :)
Sal
There is an old Penn pre-war reel that is a really difficult find. Show me a mint Model 170 in the original box and I will be very impressed.
[[[[[Now watch Sid come up with one tomorrow]]]]].......................................<:O)
Quote from: Penn Chronology on May 24, 2017, 05:34:57 AM
There is an old Penn pre-war reel that is a really difficult find. Show me a mint Model 170 in the original box and I will be very impressed.
[[[[[Now watch Sid come up with one tomorrow]]]]].......................................<:O)
I don't have the box, but the last time Mike talked about the 170 I won an auction for one the same or the next day. It came from Portugal, as I recall, but not with a box.... :)
QuoteI don't have the box, but the last time Mike talked about the 170 I won an auction for one the same or the next day. It came from Portugal, as I recall, but not with a box.... Smiley
I remembered that and was hoping you could do it again but this time find the box............. ;).......................I have been trying to buy a Model 170 original box for many years. I do not remember ever having the opportunity?
Hey Ray, Can you remember if we ever came across a Penn 170 box? Those are tough!
Hello Mike,
Seen quite a few #170's in the last 10 years but never seen a #170 box.
That'd be a bidding war to remember.
Ray
PS . There are a few more boxes as rare as the #170, like the 151, 156 and 201. Funny that they all never had star drags.
QuoteThere are a few more boxes as rare as the #170, like the 151, 156 and 201. Funny that they all never had star drags.
I guess during the Depression, boxes were not a priority or they were repurposed for something else. This is why we collect. When a determination has been made about a new rarity, a new avenue of quests opens.
I wonder if someone like Fred Oakes, who has a massive amount of finely categorized parts, has one of these boxes in his mix of stuff? New items for my Bucket List!
Sorry, Mike --
Not many old Penn boxes.
I have never really collected reels -- just for myself -- not for pristine type displays, like most of you guys.
I am just a typical reel mechanic who buys, sells, trades, gives away, and tries to work on a few reels from time to time -- as a hobby.
Seems like the more reels and NOS parts I try to get rid of -- the more the remaining stuff multiplies.
I have a few 30 gallon trash bags of reel boxes -- but I am sure nothing of any value.
If I ever find one -- I will just send it East to you, N/C -- my eyes will be open, and it isn't something I would want to keep when someone like you could use it.
Best,
Fred
QuoteSeems like the more reels and NOS parts I try to get rid of -- the more the remaining stuff multiplies.
That's interesting. Are your reels mating?
Quote from: Penn Chronology on May 25, 2017, 07:46:24 PM
QuoteSeems like the more reels and NOS parts I try to get rid of -- the more the remaining stuff multiplies.
That's interesting. Are your reels mating?
Could be Mike --
We have a company here in California, called See's Candy...
This is my wife's favorite -- for special occasions such as Christmas or Easter.
However, a few years ago, I gave her a 2 pound box of her favorite flavors for Christmas -- and she said that she would only have one a day -- until they were gone -- to pace herself -- and to practice moderation.
She didn't know that I also purchased a couple of one pound boxes -- and every few days I would seed a few back into her box when she wasn't looking.
She never questioned how 50 candies could last until the middle of April -- she just was amazed and happy that they did.
We still laugh about that one --
That is just like me with reels -- never count them, just keeping getting more than I trade, sell, or give away.
See's always gives you a free sample, as soon as you walk into the store -- so since the Batteries Plus store just went in next door to See's Candy -- we now always have plenty of batteries on hand.
And I don't ask any questions!
Best,
Fred
Fred, now that's funny about "seeding" the box. When I travel, which will shortly come to an end with my transfer back to SoCal :D, I would stop off at the airport shops and bring my wife a box of See's Candy.....Now if I can find a See's next to a fishing shop I'd be in serious trouble ;D Bill
That's funny about the candy seeding. If someone were doing that to me I would begin to think I had a Magic Candy Box. ;D I might keep it a secret hoping that the magic replenishment of candy would go on forever.
I sort of have the same problem with my collectibles. I keep telling myself, ""Enough""----""Stop Already!"" and then I see what I feel is a deal. So I tell myself, ""Just One More"" or I see a reel I feel I could resell and make a profit; but, I never resell it. Then there are the reels I get attached to. Like the vom Hofe models or a Kovalovsky. I have a letter written by Zane Grey to Arthur Kovalovsky on a sheet of Zane's personal paper with the letterhead showing his boat. The entire letter is written in Purple ink, which was Zane's trademark. I am the custodian of that piece until I don't know when.
Then there are the cradle reels and the big game stuff and the historic stuff and the sort of, kind of, maybe it is special stuff or the I have never seen one of those before stuff. I actually have an entire series of reasons to own something (none of which is, "need") and much fewer reasons to sell that same item.
I have a convoluted way of justifying my clutter. I have a friend that is a hoarder. He has one of everything on Earth and lives an extremely cluttered life. When I want to feel like I really do not overdo my collection of stuff or that I am not totally mad, I invite him to my house. He always has the same remark, he tells me that I have nothing. I have not even begun to approach "Full Up"". I still have empty spaces in my house! That always makes me better. Sort of like I am almost "Normal". ::)
I like that Mike. To me, it seems, that it comes down to one simple fact...if you enjoy it and it makes you happy (and doesn't drive the wife away) then by all means continue. What would you do with the space/money otherwise? Pick up another hobby?
I truly found that fishing/reel collecting has set me on a different path than I would have been on had I not gotten involved with them; they have molded me into who I am today. (Kind of a 'Duh' statement, but think about it for a second...). We have met some amazing individuals along the way and I always get excited about the ability to meet new 'reel' friends.
All of us love the hunt as well, finding that deal...or picking up that rare item. (Like whoever just bought the red handled King-Fisher for 39.99 BIN...you lucky dog you :D).
Hey...it beats the other things you could get addicted to and waste time/ money on... ;)
I see the very same people that complain about my hobbie. They go to the casino and drop a 1000.00 dollars and dont blink a eye. Then buy lotto tickets on the way home. They are ignorant not to notice their own habits.
Mike
Quote from: foakes on May 25, 2017, 08:17:26 PM
Quote from: Penn Chronology on May 25, 2017, 07:46:24 PM
QuoteSeems like the more reels and NOS parts I try to get rid of -- the more the remaining stuff multiplies.
That's interesting. Are your reels mating?
Could be Mike --
We have a company here in California, called See's Candy...
This is my wife's favorite -- for special occasions such as Christmas or Easter.
Fred
One of our regulars sends us a box of Sees Candy for Christmas every year. I have only a few pieces left, lol. I make them last. Love it.
yeah, the company is in south san francisco. i've driven by there dozens of times. it's just something we take for granted.
Guess who owns See's Candies now. "The Oracle of Omaha." My friend Warren. Dominick
I just googled "See's Candy" and was surprised to see locations right here in Columbus and Cincinnati! Hmm...it appears I've been enlightened again! 8)
I love See's chocolates too !!!
.....back on topic.... Rare or prototype Penn's are in a whole nother category of collecting, and in most cases takes extreme amount of knowledge to be able to recognize the non typical reels.
Typical of most passionate collectors of any sort is not to seek the rarest, but the best examples of more common items. Then along the way some rare items will likely come along. The search for the finest survivors is a more viable position from a closet collector standpoint.
Sometimes you gotta roll the dice buying ancient reels, but every so often the old leadcore line comes off to reveal a true survivor
Nice spool. Is the reel a 149?
Andy
Quote from: steelhead_killer on May 30, 2017, 11:55:48 PM
Nice spool. Is the reel a 149?
Andy
Yes Andy, a 149 from around 1950. The seat has no part number, but other parts do and this reel is all original from estate of original owner. The vented spools are not that uncommon, but seldomely found in "shelfie" condition IMHO
-Ted
QuoteYes Andy, a 149 from around 1950. The seat has no part number, but other parts do and this reel is all original from estate of original owner. The vented spools are not that uncommon, but seldomely found in "shelfie" condition IMHO
That is so true Ted. I would say that is the nicest vented spool I have ever seen. Most of then are corroded.
:o Ted comes through with another find!
So the 149 is rare, were does the 49 fit in, cheers Don.
Quote from: Donnyboat on August 28, 2018, 04:29:10 PM
So the 149 is rare, were does the 49 fit in, cheers Don.
The 149 is very common....and 49 is more common than 149
The uncommon thing about this 149 is the condition of the vented spool that was only around for a few short years in early 1950's
Thanks for the reply, I picked up a 49, 4/0 & a 9/0 over the weekend, should be in the mail now, thats why I was curious, keep well, cheers Don.
The rarest has to be the 6lb class international. A friend of mine had 2 NIB and they got stolen. It was the size of a Jigmaster Jr
Too bad about your friends reels, hope he gets lucky and they turn up. Hard to find a 6 but they turn up now and then. I believe some of the early reels are very difficult to find, some only a handful were made, the early large senators are a good example. The word rare means different things to different people.
Well, if we are going into the most rare of all Penn models I have to Show off a bit. I own the first Penn reel. It is an unmarked Model F that is chrome plated rather than nickel plated. As far as I know, it is the only one that exists.
Michael, that is a beauty. Let me know if you want to sell it. I can go as high as $25.00, shipped. Dominick
That's a peach, Mike! I will go $26 plus shipping. But I will gift to my buddy Dominick for Christmas.
Dom's Big Red is certainly rare- maybe one of a kind.
I have a 5000 in box, have only heard of one other one- there is no mention of them anywhere, in parts or elsewhere.
There is also the elusive, possibly unicorn, 440SS.
That's a diamond,,,,,,,,, ;D but if you ever wanted to sell it,,,,, :D let me know I want catch a fish on it first,,,,,,,, ;D
You have shown us some incredible stuff in the past Mike. But, the first Penn reel! Over the top.
-steve
Beautiful looking reel Mike thanks for showing
Kim
That's the beginning,,,,, ;) and the only one,,,,,,, ;D
Reel is not for sale.
Thanks for the Kudos
Okay Mike........So What's the story on this one?
Martha's?
Yeah. How'd you get it? A '32 or '33? Never had line on it, right? What do you use to preserve it? I would not be able to resist opening it up, have you?
I have heard about this reel,,,,, ;) I think he built it when he was working for old salt in his spare time,,,,,,,, ;D
Gfish....Probably a 31, since it is "Old #1" if Otto would have serialized.
Quote from: Penn Chronology on September 06, 2020, 06:30:00 AM
Reel is not for sale.
Thanks for the Kudos
Mike we know that. Just kidding. I am going to order the Ocean City book. How do I get it signed? I haven't ordered it yet. Dominick
QuoteMike we know that. Just kidding. I am going to order the Ocean City book. How do I get it signed? I haven't ordered it yet. Dominick
I still have some copies. Order it directly from me. Pay me through PayPal at my email < mcass1@optonline.net >. Please pay as a friend and included your mailing address. I will sign the book before I pack it.
Thanks,
Mike C.
A special reel, indeed Mike. Sure wish it could talk. I also like your 60 yd.'er... now that's a neat little guy.
Thanks John, Big Red is a rare bird for sure as is his new friend the blue 77. ;)
John, I have never seen a Penn 5000. Is that a spinning reel? Do tell please.
Thanks
Dom
A 5000? I know a 1000 & 2000 are 2 speed baitcasters,
Some incredible stuff in this thread
QuoteA special reel, indeed Mike. Sure wish it could talk. I also like your 60 yd.'er... now that's a neat little gu
That 60 yarder is part of the Top Shelf group. There are a few more special ones out there too!
QuoteI have a 5000 in box, have only heard of one other one- there is no mention of them anywhere, in parts or elsewhere.
What's a 5000? Can you post a photo of it. I am getting old, maybe I missed something.
Very nice display,,,, ;) what kind of reels are they,,,,,,,, ;D
Quote from: Benni3 on September 10, 2020, 02:39:08 AM
Very nice display,,,, ;) what kind of reels are they,,,,,,,, ;D
I think those are copies of some Early Ocean City Reels ;D
That 716 is also a rare bird. Nice display... especially the single malt😉
Love those babies
Dom
QuoteVery nice display,,,, Wink what kind of reels are they,,,,,,,, Grin
From left to right, A 60 yard 160 specially made for Martha Henze, One of maybe six that exist. I know of one more of these in Australia, do not know where the others are. The Spinfisher 716 in the center is from the Martha Henze Estate sale. It is an experimental color. The reel on the right was made by a prison inmate and somehow became the property of Otto Henze. He used to keep it in his desk drawer, when his son Herbert Henze would visit the factory, Otto would let Herbert use the prison reel as a toy.
The bottom of the display are special sea shells, special booze and some vom Hofe big game hooks. A fun display.
Quote from: broadway on September 10, 2020, 12:40:47 PM
That 716 is also a rare bird. Nice display... especially the single malt😉
Love those babies
Dom
Saw a more normally colored 716z listed for $150 recently. Is it really rare?
Quote from: Penn Chronology on September 12, 2020, 01:25:25 AM
QuoteVery nice display,,,, Wink what kind of reels are they,,,,,,,, Grin
From left to right, A 60 yard 160 specially made for Martha Henze, One of maybe six that exist. I know of one more of these in Australia, do not know where the others are. The Spinfisher 716 in the center is from the Martha Henze Estate sale. It is an experimental color. The reel on the right was made by a prison inmate and somehow became the property of Otto Henze. He used to keep it in his desk drawer, when his son Herbert Henze would visit the factory, Otto would let Herbert use the prison reel as a toy.
The bottom of the display are special sea shells, special booze and some vom Hofe big game hooks. A fun display.
Rare they are,,,,,, ;) but the history is priceless,,,,,,,, ;D
Quote from: thorhammer on September 05, 2020, 12:41:45 AM
That's a peach, Mike! I will go $26 plus shipping. But I will gift to my buddy Dominick for Christmas.
Dom's Big Red is certainly rare- maybe one of a kind.
I have a 5000 in box, have only heard of one other one- there is no mention of them anywhere, in parts or elsewhere.
There is also the elusive, possibly unicorn, 440SS.
John we are on tenterhooks waiting for a picture of the 5000. Dominick
QuoteSaw a more normally colored 716z listed for $150 recently. Is it really rare?
Not rare at all. A 716Z is a production reel. They sell high because they are a desirable reel.
Sorry- didn't see this- respective to a Mike C. reel, they are new- from the early 90's. First production marketed for the GS series. As far as I can tell they were a short run, caught on with kingfishermen, and became the 555GS (with 545, 535, 525 and 525 Mag following in the series.) Possibly for foreign market, I couldn't find out much about them past what I wrote here. DD AR with 5.3/1 ratio, 600yds / 20 mono, HT-100 drag and I think four bearings. Very smooth. I have a passel of all those for kingfishing and surfcasting. Corrosion resistant, fast, smooth and cast a mile.
Thor are you talking about the one Abu Garcia surd them for? Something about it infringing on the Ambassadeur 5000
That would be a new bit of lore, Chris. Not sure, but in no way does this purport to be an Ambassadeur clone, outside the number- a Millionaire and Mitchell round reels are much closer, and the 5000GS is the the size of a 10000 Abu.
I'll post pics next time I'm home.
Wow, well apparently, I haven't been home in two years....I was gone a bit during covid, tho. I'll see if I can get pics tomorrow.