Penn Super Mariner 49

[ourford]

Does anybody know when the 49's with the bakelite spools were made?

[Maxed Out]

 Introduced in 1939, the 49 had plastic spool only until metal spool was introduced in 1950. After that the 49 came with plastic spool or metal spool for the remainder of its production run.

[ourford]

Thanks. I guess that leaves quite a range of years. The spool is dark brown if that makes a difference.

[Maxed Out]

 Dark brown was only on first year 49's. The early 49's were "Deep Sea Reel" on the tailplate engraving. The super mariner name came in the 50's.

[Cuttyhunker]

Why were the vented spools with the diamond cuts made?  I understand they too were a product of the 50's.  Still fish em in Mass and Fla, nice hi speed reels for a dime a dozen, but I tie off the drag release lever to a cross pillar so a guest can't  put it in knuckle buster mode.
Thanks

[Swami805]

I believe they were for wire line fishing, the wire didn't like being wrapped around something with a small diameter. The vents help to keep it dry

[Cuttyhunker]

I use monel and SS wire in New England fishing on rock piles and reefs for stripers, usually 100 to 300 foot top shots of the wire over dacron braid backing.  I have stripped the wire all the way to the arbor on some used reels that I've picked up over the years.  Some spooled with single strand SS or monel, braided copper or the twisted Seastrand stainless.  Does anyone know when the 49 went from the long beach style stand to the Senator clamped style?  I have one I like to date, yardage marked on a non clamp stand, black spool, kiss clicker, and coin edge.  Thanks

[Deepennz]

Hi There;
That 49 sounds like an early 1940 reel - later that year Penn moved to the clamped stand, still with the yardage stamped on the stand (200yds No15), and then later in 1940, to just an unmarked clamp stand. If you check the 1940 catalogue you will see your reel = any chance of photo's?

Cheers
Martin 

[Cuttyhunker]

Martin,
I'd be happy to do Photo's of the 49 for you when I get back to New England, where the old girl is sitting on the shelf, but for now I'm locked down in Florida.  How about this 2nd cousin to mollify your addiction to reel porn until we are all sprung from the used to be big house that seems to magically be shrinking every day.

[Deepennz]

Hi,
Very nice - a 1941 LLBean/Penn 249 trade reel - chuck that reel foot in dilute vinegar!!
Yes - it is good to look at pictures - helps keep me keen and eager. I have found this shutdown is a good time to go through my
reels and strip/clean and reassemble those reels that I had previously not touched.
Take care out there!
Martin

[Cuttyhunker]

I only know the history of this one from just a mention in Mike's book.  What can you tell me about it and how'd you date it?
Thanks
Bob

[Deepennz]

Hi Bob,
Actually, I realise I have put you wrong - my apologies. Your reel looks to be identical to the reel displayed by Brian Purrone, on page 10 of the 'Penn Trade Reel' thread, in the Penn-Vintage section. I was fortunate to purchase that reel and box, and when I checked the box, and Brian's photo's, I realised I was mistaken. The box has a price of $5.00 - the 1942 price for a Penn 249.
So, It would seem your reel is a 1942 reel.
They don't make them like that anymore!!
Cheers
Martin

[Cuttyhunker]

Martin,
Here are a few shots, as you requested, of my early 1940 49, now that I'm back in New England, this one is shelved.  I still fish my other 49's, some unnumbered, but upgraded with carbontex drag washers and Alan's trick of a 113 carbontex under the main gear. 
Bob

[Cuttyhunker]

A first year 49 in good shape just fetched $170 shipped on the bay.  Wow!!