Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Penn - Vintage => Topic started by: sdlehr on July 13, 2016, 02:58:41 PM

Title: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: sdlehr on July 13, 2016, 02:58:41 PM
This post piqued my interest, and I went to the scans of the catalogs I've got to see more. What I found was that Penn Catalog No 7 from 1939 definitely shows the 149 with no star drag, as posted by Mike above. I went to my copy of Penn Catalog No 8 page 15 from 1940 and found this

(http://alantani.com/gallery/14/15180_13_07_16_7_44_44_147711493.jpeg)

This clearly shows the reel with a star drag.

I asked Mike about the statement in his blue book that the 149 had no star drag for the first 3 years. He looked at his copy of the Penn Catalog No 8 page 15 and sent me this

(http://alantani.com/gallery/14/15180_13_07_16_7_44_47_147721371.jpeg)

So, "same" catalog with a different page 15; It would appear that there were two editions of the catalog for 1940 and we were working off of different ones.... Mike thought I was crazy until I sent him a scan of what I was looking at. Then he accused me of driving him crazy :)

Take-home lesson: Penn history is sometime elusive. Mike's conclusion, and I must concur, is that the 149 was probably available with and without star drag in 1940 and 1941. It is interesting that they would come out with a second catalog in 1940 and revert back to the same picture they used in the 1939 catalog for the 1941 catalog????? Somewhere there might be an explanation for this. I can't imagine what it might be.

Sid
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Penn Chronology on July 14, 2016, 07:38:15 AM
I do not care how long I do this. And how many times I think I have found about everything there is to find about old Penn reels. There is always going to be a guy like Sid to ask a question that seems completely ridiculous that is backed up by new documentation from vintage catalogs.

Yes, the early 149's are knuckle busters for the first three years of their production, unless, like Sid, you happen to find a second edition #8 catalog, that is not supposed to exist in the first place, where you will find a star drag version of the 149.

Possibly, one of the artists doing the drawings of the reels for the catalog in 1940 was bored, so he decided to get cute and add a star drag to the 149 just for giggles. One never knows what lurks in the mind of a bored artist ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Tightlines667 on July 14, 2016, 08:03:47 AM
Love it.

Now watch..

Sid is going to find a 149 waffle click, yardage-marked stand, 149 with a star drag.  Only thing is, that of course parts are interchangeable.
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Alto Mare on July 14, 2016, 08:40:25 AM
Sid, that paper appears to be in too good of a shape and different color. :-\
Here is mine:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g431/pescatore1/20160714_042739.jpg) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/pescatore1/media/20160714_042739.jpg.html)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g431/pescatore1/20160714_042805.jpg) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/pescatore1/media/20160714_042805.jpg.html)
Sal
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: sdlehr on July 14, 2016, 01:26:30 PM
Quote from: Alto Mare on July 14, 2016, 08:40:25 AM
Sid, that paper appears to be in too good of a shape and different color. :-\

Sal
I downloaded mine from Penn Parts. No secrets here. I don't have the original, just the pdf scan.

Sid
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Alto Mare on July 14, 2016, 02:10:46 PM
Quote from: sdlehr on July 14, 2016, 01:26:30 PM
Quote from: Alto Mare on July 14, 2016, 08:40:25 AM
Sid, that paper appears to be in too good of a shape and different color. :-\

Sal
I downloaded mine from Penn Parts. No secrets here. I don't have the original, just the pdf scan.

Sid
Sid, I wasn't questioning where yours came from, I was questioning the image itself.
To me looks like that pic has been altered, as someone adding the star and copying it, but I'm no expert. 
Maybe the 149 with the star from that era does exist, I personally doubt it :-\
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: sdlehr on July 14, 2016, 03:03:59 PM
Sal, what you saw was because I took a photo of the pdf file so I had a small jpg file to post; and in the process I altered the color. The original is on a white background. I don't think it has been altered. I've attached the full pdf file for you viewing pleasure! We have been discussing p 15.

Sid
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Alto Mare on July 14, 2016, 04:53:47 PM
Thanks Sid! the reel would not amuse me, but I would love to see that catalog...if it exists. I still doubt it.
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: mo65 on July 14, 2016, 05:27:01 PM
So if that 149 had no drag star...I'm guessing it was direct drive? Awesome old reel! 8)
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: sdlehr on July 14, 2016, 05:33:05 PM
Quote from: mo65 on July 14, 2016, 05:27:01 PM
So if that 149 had no drag star...I'm guessing it was direct drive? Awesome old reel! 8)
It was a knucklebuster with a free spool lever....

Sid
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: sdlehr on July 14, 2016, 05:36:15 PM
Quote from: Alto Mare on July 14, 2016, 04:53:47 PM
I would love to see that catalog...if it exists. I still doubt it.
That would mean someone went to a lot of trouble.... for what purpose? Boredom? I believe it is real.

Sid
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Penn Chronology on July 15, 2016, 02:02:24 AM
QuoteI would love to see that catalog...if it exists. I still doubt it.

That would mean someone went to a lot of trouble.... for what purpose? Boredom? I believe it is real.

OK, I looked a bit deeper. I went to Scotts and found the catalog Sid is using from the Scotts site. I went through the Scotts catalog page by page while comparing it to my #8 catalog. It must be a second edition. I found another difference. On page 11 of Scotts Cat #8 is the Sea Hawk picture:
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20CAtalogs/Penn%20Catalog%208--1940--pg.%2011--Second%20Edition%20795%20x%20599_zpskw8agweb.jpg)
This is a picture of the final Sea Hawk 150 yard available in 1941 and 1942. It seems that Penn is jumping the gun in the Second Edition #8 catalog.

Here is the same page from my #8 Catalog:
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20CAtalogs/Penn%20Catalog%208--1940--pg.%2011%20795%20x%20608_zpsp0wwlrvz.jpg)

The wording is the same for the Sea Hawk and 149 in each edition. Only the drawings of reels are different.

This is not a unique happening. I own two editions of the #7. I will now have to look for this other edition, which I will call the ""Scotts Edition""
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: sdlehr on July 15, 2016, 02:16:25 AM
Mike, the picture of the Sea Hawk is different. Did you notice the design of the reel is also? One has the round gear well like the 15, the other has the little ear-like tabs that would have bridge screws if it were another reel design (that actually used bridge screws). Or is that what you meant by "This is a picture of the final Sea Hawk 150 yard available in 1941 and 1942."? I just noticed the handle nut is also different.

Sid
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Penn Chronology on July 15, 2016, 06:53:12 AM
Yes, the design is different. What is pictured in that oddball edition #8 catalog is the small 150 yard Sea Hawk that was sold in 1941 and 1942. It does not belong in this catalog, maybe. There are so many variables that are impossible to document, that I have to use the word """maybe""", almost all the time concerning these unexpected discoveries.
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Penn Chronology on July 15, 2016, 04:02:44 PM
QuoteMike, do the second edition catalog#7 look the same, as the same front cover, or is the second edition as an instructional manual repair parts list catalog?

The #7 Catalog second edition is really easy to miss. The front covers are exactly the same. I got my second edition by accident in a old Squidder box.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20CAtalogs/Penn%20Catalog%207--First%20amp%20Second%20Editions%20811%20x%20632_zpszniqjurj.jpg)
Frist edition is on the left. I do not know if this multiple edition case exists for the color cover edition. I suspect not.

After going through each edition doing a page by page comparison I found only one difference; but, it is a important one:
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20CAtalogs/Penn%20Catalog%207--First%20on%20left%20amp%20Second%20Editions%20802%20x%20632_zpskb5t9svu.jpg)
First edition, page 20 is on the left. Notice the addition of the Model 155 in the second edition page 20 on the right, which creates an introduction point for that model.
Title: Re: post moved from 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Alto Mare on July 15, 2016, 05:27:34 PM
Thank you Mike, you're a good investigator, I wouldn't have been able to spot the differences.
This now gives a good indication that the second edition catalog#8 does exist.

On the catalog #7, I was expecting something as this one:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g431/pescatore1/Screenshot%201.png) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/pescatore1/media/Screenshot%201.png.html)
This is why I asked my question if both had the same front cover or as a part list catalog .

Thanks again Mike,

Sal
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: broadway on July 15, 2016, 10:02:04 PM
Wow, Sal, never saw that one.  The "Penn Reels" font is like that of the #8 catalog. Sweet cat!
Dom
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Tightlines667 on July 15, 2016, 10:12:29 PM
That is a cool catalog there Sal.
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Alto Mare on July 16, 2016, 12:55:17 AM
Yes guys, that is a cool one. You find it and it would be like hitting the lotto  :)
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Tightlines667 on July 16, 2016, 01:43:53 AM
Here's my closest one...

Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Alto Mare on July 16, 2016, 09:27:49 AM
That is a nice one John.
I'm showing mine above, but it isn't in the same shape as yours, yours looks much better.

My collection starts at #8, with a few missing in between, but I haven't really been hunting them down for a while.

I wish I had that #7 :-\
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Tightlines667 on July 16, 2016, 09:35:47 AM
Quote from: Alto Mare on July 16, 2016, 09:27:49 AM
That is a nice one John.
I'm showing mine above, but it isn't in the same shape as yours, yours looks much better.

My collection starts at #8, with a few missing in between, but I haven't really been hunting them down for a while.

I wish I had that #7 :-\

Me too.  I don'the think I am willing to pay 'market value' for these catalogs though.  Hoping to get surprised some day by finding one in a box, or in someone's hidden stash.  I pretty much like all the prewar reel and sporting goods catalogs, but own very few.

I like the catalogs from the 70s and 80s as well. 
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Penn Chronology on July 16, 2016, 02:33:33 PM
QuoteOn the catalog #7, I was expecting something as this one:

This is why I asked my question if both had the same front cover or as a part list catalog .

Sal, The difference you are noting between the catalogs is a Penn practice that goes back to the first magazine style catalog. Almost every year of catalog issue includes two types. Later in their publishing, Penn called these different type catalogs, "A" or "B" catalogs. Basically that difference is quality. The "A" type catalog has the color glossy cover and usually has an Introduction page that is not found in the "B" type, plain pulp cover. After the introduction page, the rest of the content is identical in both types. Here is an example of the first magazine catalog that came out in 1938, a year before the #7 "A" Catalog you pictured.

(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20CAtalogs/1938%20Penn%20Catalog%206%20616%20x%20979_zpspcg5awiy.jpg)
This is the front cover of the first "A" type, color cover catalog. This #6 "A" Catalog is Penn's first magazine style, before this it was all brochures. It is the same, half page size as your #7 "A" Catalog.

In 1938, Penn also issued a "B" type catalog with a pulp cover to be placed in the boxes of the reels:
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20CAtalogs/1938%20Penn%20Box%20Catalog%206%20528%20x%20824_zpsguqmxirz.jpg)
I do not believe there is more than one edition for each of the 1938 issues; but, that can change overnight with a discovery of a new edition, like the #7 discovery.


On a side note. Look at this low res picture of a 1940 Trade Show. Notice all the Number #7 "A" type catalogs piled up on the tables.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20CAtalogs/penn1940show_zpsvgh42f1h.jpg)

Catalog collecting is an important and fun part of the hobby. To me it is the Bottom Line. It is as important as owning the reels themselves. The early catalogs, like the ones we are talking about, sell in the hundreds of dollars category. They have been selling at those prices for a long time; but, they can be found the old fashioned way, in the boxes the were placed in back in the day. I have found all of mine that way, except for the #6 & #7 "A" Type mags, they were not put in boxes and have to be found in other ways or you can pay for them on the rare occasions they come up for sale. Although, the very early "A" type catalogs (the #6 & #7) were made in lower quantities and were not put in the boxes, they were sent out in the mail or given away at Trade Shows.
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Alto Mare on July 16, 2016, 04:11:17 PM
Ah, got it! Thanks for clearing that up Mike.
From what I've seen these sell for, I'm guessing they're still considered pretty rare.
Most of my catalogs have the glossy cover, but up to catalog #30, I do not see any letters after the number, but from 31 and up, well actually 32, I'm missing 31, the letter A follows that number :-\

This is very interesting, thanks again Mike.

Sal
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Penn Chronology on July 19, 2016, 05:20:35 AM
QuoteMost of my catalogs have the glossy cover, but up to catalog #30, I do not see any letters after the number, but from 31 and up, well actually 32, I'm missing 31, the letter A follows that number Undecided

Sal:

You were right the first time. Penn placed the "A" after the catalog number first with Catalog 31A (1969)and kept up the practice every year up to Catalog 38A (1977). Catalog #38A was the last numbered catalog. In 1978 the catalog numbering system became history.
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Alto Mare on July 19, 2016, 09:28:11 AM
Quote from: Penn Chronology on July 19, 2016, 05:20:35 AM
QuoteMost of my catalogs have the glossy cover, but up to catalog #30, I do not see any letters after the number, but from 31 and up, well actually 32, I'm missing 31, the letter A follows that number Undecided

Sal:

You were right the first time. Penn placed the "A" after the catalog number first with Catalog 31A (1969)and kept up the practice every year up to Catalog 38A (1977). Catalog #38A was the last numbered catalog. In 1978 the catalog numbering system became history.
Mike, all these secrets wouldn't mean much to us, if we didn't have you here to explain.
Thank you!

Sid, sorry for pulling away from the subject, at times you don't realize it. If you need me to delete or move some of this, I could do that, or you are welcomed to it.
I'm thinking it's good information, maybe we get away having it here.


Sal
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: sdlehr on July 19, 2016, 02:02:51 PM
Quote from: Alto Mare on July 19, 2016, 09:28:11 AM
Sid, sorry for pulling away from the subject, at times you don't realize it. If you need me to delete or move some of this, I could do that, or you are welcomed to it.
Sal
Sal, don't be silly. It's all great information.

Sid
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: Penn Chronology on July 19, 2016, 04:14:25 PM
QuoteSid, sorry for pulling away from the subject, at times you don't realize it. If you need me to delete or move some of this, I could do that, or you are welcomed to it.
I'm thinking it's good information, maybe we get away having it here.

We have all these great specific Penn categories in this area of the forum, maybe having a category about Catalog information anomalies would be a good idea. We could start it by moving these catalog differences we have been talking about here to a new thread.

Also, is there a category for the Model F or Model K?
Title: Re: 149, 149L, 149M Mariner
Post by: sdlehr on July 19, 2016, 04:44:53 PM
Quote from: Penn Chronology on July 19, 2016, 04:14:25 PM
QuoteSid, sorry for pulling away from the subject, at times you don't realize it. If you need me to delete or move some of this, I could do that, or you are welcomed to it.
I'm thinking it's good information, maybe we get away having it here.

We have all these great specific Penn categories in this area of the forum, maybe having a category about Catalog information anomalies would be a good idea. We could start it by moving these catalog differences we have been talking about here to a new thread.

Also, is there a category for the Model F or Model K?
No, no category yet for the Model F or Model K. I can set those up, but everyone should know they are free to post new threads with new titles without consulting anyone - same as all the other boards. I just wanted to get a basic format set up a few months ago. I'm turning it loose. When it comes to moving things around you need a moderator. I'll see what I can do to figure out how to move posts to a new Catalog thread.

Sid
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: sdlehr on July 19, 2016, 05:15:49 PM
Three new categories are now available as requested.
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Penn Chronology on July 20, 2016, 06:38:49 AM
QuoteThree new categories are now available as requested

Thank you Sid!
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Cuttyhunker on December 05, 2018, 02:43:24 PM
Having reread this thread a few times and downloading some images one thing I notice is the description of the 149, the 3rd "NEW", second sentence touts no more bruised knuckles.  To me I would think describing a dogged reel with a drag system.  Would it have meant refer to the new football handle, or is it simply an overlooked typo that the artist tried to conform the artwork to.  For that year catalogs which came first, star or knuckle buster?  In either case it seems the copy error was overlooked unless it was a handle claim. 
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Penn Chronology on December 06, 2018, 03:22:23 AM
QuoteHaving reread this thread a few times and downloading some images one thing I notice is the description of the 149, the 3rd "NEW", second sentence touts no more bruised knuckles.  To me I would think describing a dogged reel with a drag system.  Would it have meant refer to the new football handle, or is it simply an overlooked typo that the artist tried to conform the artwork to.  For that year catalogs which came first, star or knuckle buster?  In either case it seems the copy error was overlooked unless it was a handle claim. 

This is interpretation. It seems that Penn is referring to the handle. But the Knuckle Buster term almost always refers to reels without a drag and anti-reverse. That " Knuckle Buster" descriptive term was coined by the Southern
California Catalina Club "Tuna Hospital" at the turn of the century. 
         So it would seem that Penn is using the term loosely.
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Dominick on December 06, 2018, 03:46:45 AM
I wish I had read this.  I spilled my coffee on my No. 7 catalog and threw it out.  Kidding. :D  Dominick
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Swami805 on December 31, 2018, 04:21:22 PM
Just wondering what's the best way to store the catalogs? Do you keep them in the box with the reel they came with or store them seperately so they don't stay folded?
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: 1badf350 on December 31, 2018, 05:02:39 PM
I keep my full size A catalogs in this Gallery Leather inder from Amazon. The insert sheets are made specifically so as not to damage or stick to their contents.
https://www.amazon.com/Gallery-Leather-Presentation-Binder-Freeport/dp/B01EZ4LS8Y (https://www.amazon.com/Gallery-Leather-Presentation-Binder-Freeport/dp/B01EZ4LS8Y)

Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Maxed Out on December 31, 2018, 05:22:19 PM

Same plastic sleeves they use for comic books work great too
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Swami805 on December 31, 2018, 06:07:01 PM
I guess put a note with them  to know which box they came from. Thanks
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Alto Mare on January 01, 2019, 01:27:52 PM
I was using a much smaller folder, my wife saw it and came home with this one:
(https://i.imgur.com/4z2W7VM.jpg)
it is much taller and it is working out for me.
(https://i.imgur.com/6tGYase.jpg)
rings are a nice size,  the protectors don't get caught
(https://i.imgur.com/41m2VhL.jpg)

The top portion is opened, so it would need to be handled carefully. I would have rather have those with a seal on top, but they could easely be replaced.

Sal

Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: AC49 on January 01, 2019, 04:49:49 PM
Thanks Sal for the cool idea. They are worth some protection for the future  ;)

Regards
AC49
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Cuttyhunker on January 01, 2019, 08:39:04 PM
Surfing the web I've been downloading some Penn old ads and this one has me thinking.  It is an Oct 62 sporting goods trade magazine featuring a 9/0 Senator with the logo under the eccentric.  I've read here that the logo was moved up under the harness lugs in the mid 50's, so is this just simply a case of Penn using old art, or did the logo go up at a much later date?      ???
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Maxed Out on January 01, 2019, 08:51:27 PM
 You can't go by those illustrations Bob.

Some illustrations from the 30's were used well into the 50's

I believe the logo moved up to under the lug in the late 50's to early 60's

Ted
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Cuttyhunker on January 01, 2019, 09:08:36 PM
Thanks Ted, that's sort of what I expected, that Penn was just carrying forward Otto's Philosophy of wasting nothing. 
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Gfish on December 20, 2021, 12:44:24 AM
Sweet Sixteen. This 1951 #16 catalog is from a friend that use'ta live in San Diego. Remember the good ol' days when a store like Western Auto would sell outdoor equipment as well as auto parts? This dealer looks to be an independent small business.
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Gfish on December 20, 2021, 12:46:42 AM
More...
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Gfish on December 20, 2021, 12:50:32 AM
I love these old catalogs. Especially compared to the one's from the 70's on up till now. All kinds of text and cool information in these.
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Gfish on December 20, 2021, 12:51:39 AM
More...
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Gfish on December 20, 2021, 12:52:28 AM
More...
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Gfish on December 20, 2021, 12:53:33 AM
Sorry, only allowed to post 1-picture at a time.
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Gfish on December 20, 2021, 12:55:03 AM
More...
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Gfish on December 20, 2021, 12:56:48 AM
Last one, shoulda photo'ed the knots section, too.
Just didn't seem to be a thing back in the day: not tucking in your shirt and not pulling your pants up over your hips.
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Penn Chronology on December 20, 2021, 01:07:47 AM
Seems like Penn was sending out many of those #16 catalog by addressing the front cover. Here is mine:

Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Gfish on December 20, 2021, 05:12:06 AM
Ah-haaa. Penn seemed to have real good 1950's marketing plan. The catalog is saturated with advice articles having an underlying message of: "and we have just the reel for this".
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Cuttyhunker on December 22, 2021, 02:23:52 PM
Mike,
The Lynn stamp wasn't, I think, for the US Mail but repeatedly stamped on the catalog stack by a Lynn employee to show whoever handled the catalog in the future who the local dealer was.  I remember seeing cats with a special blank box with a "Your Local Dealer" header to receive that dealer stamp.  I've done it years ago with Blackfin boat brochures at the old NY Boat Show on Columbus Circle.
Looking back to the original thought in the thread about nefarious or bored artists making changes in the catalogs, as a guy who produced ad copy and catalogs for my business, please be aware that what returns from the printer or appears in ad copy is often not exactly what goes out of the office, just good old fashioned FUBAR
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Maxed Out on December 22, 2021, 08:21:48 PM
 Hi Mike, I don't see an address or even a city or state on the "Lynn" stamp on the catalog cover. Just an observation

-Ted
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Penn Chronology on December 27, 2021, 02:09:07 AM
Yea, that makes sense. All those catalogs that were sent to people directly were probably in addressed envelopes. Shops were getting an allotted amount. Having someone stamp the business name on the catalog is the likely way they wound up that way.
Title: Re: Penn Catalogs - comments, questions, anomalies, etc.
Post by: Brewcrafter on December 27, 2021, 04:55:06 AM
I'm probably preaching to the choir here; or "try to teach my elders to suck eggs".  But, as a certified self proclaimed geezer, I have to say it would not be unusual to not have extensive location information on a catalog because: 1 - The catalogs (probably expensive) were produced in a generic form for the whole country. 2 - The thought of not ""buying local" would be totally alien to folks at that time - you purchased local or you did not purchase.  Simply having the telephone number on the catalog (actually the "exchange") pretty much told you the location of the store.  And odds of someone getting a catalog that was "out of area" were probably not a big concern.  The other thing that "may" have took place back then, is that manufacturers were sensitive to their retailers, and to a certain extent (ostensibly for the betterment of all) would limit who "authorized" retailers were.  Hence, if you wanted a Penn and you lived in Anywhere, USA you knew you needed to go to Brewcrafter Hardware on Main Street.  On the surface - not a bad plan - the manufacturer (Penn or whoever) wanted to have a good representative, that did enough business in their local market to make it worth carrying their product, and did not want to alienate a potential retailer by having a "competitor" (Hardy Boy Hardware) sell the same goods, for close to the same price.  The fear of the manufacturer being that the two competing retailers would fight a price war, to the point where it became unprofitable for either one to sell the product, and now the manufacturer did not have a outlet in the local community.  I realize I have totally oversimplified micro and macro economics, but I also still remember the telephone number at my house growing up began with "Turner". - john