The venerable 249

[Shellbelly]

I've noticed that the 249 doesn't get much attention so I thought it would be nice to bring some around.  I'm sure most Penn collectors have a few or at least one and I'd venture to say that we have them in the "just because..." category.  It's a very simple model, not particularly scarce as a whole reel, but certain parts can be scarce...like the handle.  The LL Bean model tends to run up a high price, but the standard Penn 249 isn't expensive and can be a good donor for no-number parts.  To me it stands out as a clean and simple, unadorned of shiny parts reel with a nice picture plate.  I believe these were work horses for the wire liners for a few years.

The direct drive reels bring back good memories for me.  I had to master the casting and landing exercise with a direct drive before I was "allowed" to move a lever or push a button.

Other than the LL Bean model, the only change I've noticed is the counterweight.  One is smooth and the other has a ring.  Do you know when this happened, cause I sure don't.  Also, i haven't seen another model that shares this handle.  That's a little unique for Penn.

Anyway, I like 'em.

[Deepennz]

Hi there,
It seems that you have two #249's from the late 1940's - Penn started putting single, double or triple rings on their counterweights from about 1946/7.
The humble 249 was first produced in 1939, and underwent a few changes over the years. All the pre-war models had the coin edged counterweight, and a square profile to the arbor/spools. they were also produced in double, and triple multiplying versions.
After the war Penn changed the profile of the spools - your reels should have a more rounded, contoured, continuous arbor/flange. Your photos don't show the spools - it would be interesting to see them.
So - IMHO, I would think that the reel without any rings on the counterweight is a slightly earlier version - 1946/47, and the other was produced slightly later.
It is an interesting exercise rotating the handle for one revolution and counting the number of times that the spool rotates - this will reveal whether yours are double, or triple multiplying.
Mike Cacioppo (Penn Chronology on here) has produced three books on the early Penn reel production/history, and these are a massive resource for Pennheads - I strongly advise that you track down copies if available.
Cheers,
Martin

[akfish]

The only 249s I have seen all had bakelite spools. The metal 49 spools do fit. Did they ever ship with a metal spool?

[Shellbelly]

Thank you, Martin.  I'm still figuring out my pic posting issues.  All of mine are 3:1.  Only one has the curved profile spool.  What is interesting as well is this model doesn't seem to be as desirable even though it is a nice looking reel. They are usually pretty clean or clean up easily.  The box is pretty scarce and will definitely get attention.  I spent some time looking for handles, but came up empty.  I have a set of NOS plates in waiting but individual NOS parts are scarce and I want to stay with the nickel silver trim.  I just buy one every now and then and cull the best parts.

I'm looking for hard cover copies of Mike's work.  I have a thing for hard bound books.  He's helped me a great deal with my Sailfisher projects and I've paid attention to all the posts I have found.  The info is still evolving and that's fascinating.

Hey akfish, I haven't seen a 249 with a stock metal spool.  These were primarily wire line rigs and some come up today still spooled with wire. I've never been a wire liner, but I believe light weight and corrosion were factors in keeping the plastic spool.  I'd speculate that the Mariner class of the X49 models put the simple 249 on the shelf.  Adding a metal spool probably wasn't going to change the future of it.  Interesting though that the later 49/149/349 models kept a direct drive option.  Fishermen know what they want and Penn listened to fishermen.

[Deepennz]

Hi Shellbelly
So what is the profile of the spool that is not contoured? which reel of the two is it?
I have trouble posting photo's on here - one day I will get it sorted...........

[Shellbelly]

Here are the 3 I have on the shelf.  2 spools are narrow at the center and 1 spool is wider.  I believe the spool change occurred due to feedback from wire liners.

I should add that the middle reel shows the difference between original nickel silver and chrome.  It's clear that the posts came from a later Mariner.