2 Old Reels!

[Reeltyme]

I thought that everyone would enjoy this little story. I was recently contacted by a close friend of mine that builds rods in regards to a couple of reels that needed restoration. The story goes that an acquaintance of his had 2 big saltwater combos that had originally belonged to his father-in-law and had been handed down to his daughter (the gentleman in questions wife). The 2 outfits were of great sentimental value and had been in storage for many years. As his wife's birthday was approaching come this October, he thought it would be a great surprise to have the outfits restored. As the gentleman is a man of comfortable means, cost within reason, was not a problem he informed my friend. My friends' curiosity was perked so he inquired as to why the outfits that were of such sentimental value, had been in storage for a while? The gentleman proceeded to inform him that in 1992 they owned a home in the Miami Florida area when hurricane Andrew hit. They had sustained substantial damage to their home and were forced to put everything that was salvaged into storage, which included these 2 outfits,,,1992! There these outfits remained until this year when this man got the idea of having them restored for his wife so they could be hung on the wall in there new home. This couple have no idea what these outfits are or of their monetary value, not that it would matter to them in this instance. The outfits consist of 1, 14/0 First Generation Penn Senator mounted to a unlimited class round hardwood rod and 1, 16/0 NO Numbers Penn Senator mounted to a Tycoon Bimini King. Both reels are early 1940's era (pre war). The rods are currently in the possession of my friend for restoration, the reels are pictured below with before and after pictures. It is my hope that the couple is happy with the end results and would like to say that it was a pleasure to restore the fine pieces of American history. Hope y'all enjoy the pictures! As there quite a few pictures, it may take a little bit to get them posted.

[thorhammer]

Wow.....what a provenance!!!! Please follow up with pics of the restored combos!!!


John

[Bill B]

Good story. What an honor to restore those old reels.  I know they are in good hands and will clean up great.  Bill

[Donnyboat]

Good story, nice history there, I am sure you will do the justice, cheers Don.

[Crow]

Nice !

[oc1]

Cool.  Lucky the 16/0 didn't bust out the side plate or warp the frame when it hit the floor and bent the harness lug.  How did the line look down deeper in the spool?

[Reeltyme]

Cool.  Lucky the 16/0 didn't bust out the side plate or warp the frame when it hit the floor and bent the harness lug.  How did the line look down deeper in the spool?

It did have to be a heck of a hit! As for the line, the first 50 yards was pretty much toast as expected, but once I got down about 2/3 through it cleaned up relatively well. Not perfect but acceptable. I did remove the line to another reel, then to a spool and is ready to go back on the reels, reversed. As per the owners request to put the original line back on. I chose to reverse it for aesthetics.

[oldmanjoe]

  Looks like they were taken care of before going into storage ..they cleaned up well .  Good job.

[Penn Chronology]

Well Randy, I know you know that you have some very special reels there. Both are pre-war. The first gen 14/0 falls into the rare category. Not too many of them found. The early first gen big reels had 12/0 bridges. Normally a 14/0 would have the same bridge as a 16/0, but yours is a true first gen reel, so the bridge in yours is a 12/0. Would love to see the rods that were mated up with these old timers, if you get a chance.

Mike C.

[Benni3]

2 cool reels,,,,,, and great job on fixing them up,,,,,,

[Paul Roberts]

Wow. Very nice!

[cdaline]

Excellence Mr. Reeltyme. Just a pleasure to observe. Thank you.

[alantani]

sensei, nicely done.....   

[The Great Maudu]

Really interesting story. I too would like to see the rods.

[quabbin boy 62]

VERY nice work! whatever your cleaning process is, don't change it, hope your friends are happy with it.