How To Tell When A Penn Reel Was Made: A Guide

How do you tell the age of a Penn reel?

All Penn Internationals have a year code in them. The year built is in the serial number. They usually start with a letter, which is the month the reel was made [A=January, B= February, etc.]. Then the next 2 numbers are the year it was made [98=1998, 06= 2006, etc.].

Where to find model number on penn reel?

Model numbers are on the sides of the housing/body of the reel, and on the spool. Be careful about looking at spools, as newer version spools can often be used on older reels and cause confusion with the parts in the rest of the older reel.

What year did PENN start making reels?

Otto Henze left Ocean City Reels and started his own fishing reel company in 1932, called PENN Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company.

When was the PENN 49 reel made?

Penn Chronology The first 49 A was probably around 1950. Early reels were sold in regular 49 boxes and had the “A” stamped on the head plate.

When was the Penn 155 reel made?

Penn Chronology The 155 introduction is tricky. It is introduced in 1939; but, not until the second edition of the 1939 catalog. This is one of those confusing points that stumped collectors for years.

Which Penn reel made in USA?

Despite the changes in ownership, Penn still has three models — the Senator, the International Series, and the Z Series — that are manufactured in the U.S.A.

Can you use Penn reels in freshwater?

All PENN reels can be used in both saltwater and freshwater.

How old are reels?

Reels were released globally in 2020, in response to the aggressively rising popularity of TikTok. TikTok videos are commonly re-shared as Instagram Reels, but it’s important to note that as of February 2021, Instagram’s algorithm has started to de-prioritize Reels with the TikTok watermark.

Where are Penn torque reels made?

Made in USA Baby!! Philadelphia!!!

What is the lightest Penn reel?

The PENN Conflict II features stealthy cosmetics, a Lightweight design (our lightest spinning reel ever), and silky smooth HT-100 drag. The RR30 Rigid Resin body and rotor are extremely lightweight and durable.

What size Penn reel for trout?

Spinning reel sizes are categorized numerically to match specific fishing needs: 1000-2500: Ideal for small trout, panfish, and crappie. 3000-4000: Suitable for walleye, largemouth bass, and redfish. 4500-5500: Recommended for northern pike, catfish, and snook.

How old is the fishing reel?

The earliest fishing reel was invented in China at least since the Song dynasty, as shown by detailed illustration of an angler fishing with reel from Chinese paintings and records beginning about 1195 AD, although sporadic textual descriptions of line wheels used for angling had existed since the 3rd century.

Do reels expire?

Whether you have a public or private account, you can share your reel to your Story, close friends, or in a direct message. If you do so, your reel will behave like a regular Story – it will not be shared to Reels in Explore, it will not appear on your profile, and it will disappear after 24 hours.

Are Penn reels American made?

Available in 3 models and built in the USA of domestic and imported components, with a machined aluminum frame, stainless steel gearing, and heavy duty HT-100 drag system.

Is Penn Senator a good reel?

This is a fantastic reel and the quality is top notch. I have 2 of them and did upgrade the handle and bridge assembly (and magged the reel) but it would fish great just as it is. I also have the exact same setup as “Grumpy”, the 12′ Ocean Master and toss 6oz and bait with 50lb braid tied to 50lb mono.

When were Penn Senator reels made?

In 1936, Penn Fishing Tackle made history with the introduction of the Penn Senator series. These reels featured a star drag system that added both consistency and precision to the reel’s operation, an advancement that remains in production to this day.

When did PENN start making reels in China?

In 1974 Penn introduced aluminum spools for these reels and soon after discontinued both the plastic and brass spools. Jigmasters are still available today, however in 2006 Penn moved production of all plastic sided reels, including the Jigmaster, to China.

What was the first Penn reel?

The company’s first recorded sale occurred in February 1933 when Miller Auto Supply Company of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, purchased one of each of Penn’s reel models: a Sea Hawk for $1.21, a Bayside for $1.93, and a Long Beach for $2.48.

Is PENN a good saltwater reel?

At PENN® we design all our gear to meet superior standards, but it’s no secret we take the most pride in our spinning reels. It’s a fact: a saltwater spinning reel is a true-blue companion for serious anglers requiring the ultimate in versatile performance on the water.

How do you know if a reel is trending?

All you need to do is open up Instagram and scroll the Reels Explore page. You’ll know the song is trending when you see this little “Trending” arrow beside the song.

How old is the fishing reel?

Do Penn Reels have a transition reel?

I only say that because of the part numbers and the amber handle knob. Penn reels after 1953 have part numbers stamped on the handle blade, star wheel, stand, spool spindle and many other locations that are either hidden or internal. If the only part number you can find is on the tail plate spool bearing, you may have a transition reel.

How do I know if my reels are Penn?

Some models have a cross bar with the model number, and in newer reels, a housing frame that is labeled. If the reel does not say Penn in any way at all, it is likely a China/Japan knock off. Ocean City reels are not Penn, either, but were started by a gentleman who worked there, so they did look like the old Penn reels.

How do I order Penn reel parts?

In the detailed description, you will see that Penn mades some changes. Other design changes are larger, and are marked by a large red logo that says “STOP! Read before you order!”. Click on “Penn Parts Dept.” at the top of the website. On the left hand menu there, click on “Conventional Reel Parts”.

How much does a Penn reel cost?

We would say that about 34 of the total 220 were made in the United States. As a general rule of thumb, Penn reels made in the USA usually start at around $250. Don’t worry because we will cover the ones that they make in the United States soon.

Okay, so you want to know how to tell when a Penn reel was made, right? It can be a little tricky, but once you know what to look for, it’s easier than you think. Penn Reels have a really cool history, and figuring out the age of a reel can be part of the fun.

First, you need to know that Penn Reels have a pretty unique numbering system. This system helps us figure out when the reel was made. And, it’s important to know that this system is really only reliable for Penn Reels made between 1932 and 1969. Before that, they had a different way of doing things.

Let’s break down how to decode the numbers:

The Two-Digit Number System

This is the most common way to figure out the age of a Penn Reel. You’re looking for a two-digit number, usually stamped on the reel’s sideplate. This number represents the year the reel was made.

For example: If you see the number 48, that means the reel was made in 1948.

Here’s the catch: The numbers go from 32 to 69. So, a reel with the number 32 was made in 1932. And a reel with the number 69 was made in 1969.

It’s pretty straightforward, right?

The Three-Digit Number System

There are some Penn Reels that have a three-digit number on them. This number can be a little trickier, but here’s how it works:

The first two digits represent the year. For example, 58 would mean 1958.
The third digit represents the month. For example, 582 would mean 1958, February. So, 1 = January, 2 = February, and so on.

The “D” Number System

Now, things get a little more complicated. Some Penn Reels have a “D” followed by a number.

For example:D49

Here’s what that means:

The “D” stands for “December”.
The number represents the year. So, D49 would mean December 1949.

Understanding the “B” Number System

You might also see a “B” on your Penn Reel followed by a number.

For example:B57

This means that the Penn Reel was manufactured during a specific month in 1957. Here’s the breakdown of the months for “B” reels:

B1 = January
B2 = February
B3 = March
B4 = April
B5 = May
B6 = June
B7 = July
B8 = August
B9 = September
B10 = October
B11 = November
B12 = December

Identifying Early Penn Reels

Remember, all of this information only applies to Penn Reels manufactured from 1932 to 1969. But what about the older Penn Reels?

Well, those are a little harder to date, and often require expert knowledge and a bit of research. Here’s a general idea:

Pre-1932 Reels: They may have a serial number, but there’s no consistent system. The best way to identify them is to look at the reel’s design and compare it to pictures and descriptions of known models in books, online databases, or by consulting with a Penn Reel expert.

Common Penn Reel Series

Here are some common Penn Reel series and when they were manufactured:

Penn 95: Introduced in 1954.
Penn 97: Introduced in 1953.
Penn 99: Introduced in 1953.
Penn 105: Introduced in 1954.
Penn 109: Introduced in 1954.
Penn 110: Introduced in 1955.
Penn 111: Introduced in 1955.
Penn 112: Introduced in 1956.
Penn 113: Introduced in 1957.
Penn 114: Introduced in 1958.
Penn 115: Introduced in 1959.
Penn 116: Introduced in 1960.

Key Identifying Factors

So, how can we pinpoint the age of a Penn Reel beyond the numbers? Keep these factors in mind:

Material: Early Penn Reels were often made from brass. Later models were made from aluminum.
Handle: The handle style can be a clue. Early reels had a simple crank handle. Later models introduced the “Star Drag” handle.
Spool: The size and shape of the spool can vary, with some models having a larger spool than others.
Design: The design and appearance of the Penn Reel itself can help you narrow down its age. For example, the Penn 95 went through several design changes over the years.

Resources for Penn Reel Identification

There are tons of resources available to help you identify your Penn Reel.

Penn Reels: Check out the Penn Reels website. They offer a fantastic resource page with detailed information on their history, models, and features.
Online Forums: There are dedicated forums and online communities where you can connect with other Penn Reel enthusiasts and get expert advice.
Books: There are great books that feature Penn Reels from different eras. Look for books that focus on fishing tackle or vintage fishing reels.

FAQs about Penn Reels

Here are some FAQs about Penn Reels and their dating:

1. What is the most common Penn reel model?

That’s hard to say! It depends on what you’re looking for. The Penn 95 and Penn 114 are two of the most popular, but there are tons of other great models out there.

2. Are Penn reels valuable?

Some Penn Reels, especially older ones, can be worth quite a bit of money. Vintage reels in good condition can be especially valuable.

3. How can I restore my Penn reel?

Restoring a Penn Reel can be a rewarding experience! You can find tons of resources online, including detailed guides and tutorials.

4. Where can I sell my Penn reel?

You can try selling your Penn Reel online through auction sites like eBay or dedicated fishing forums. There are also specialized antique fishing tackle shops.

5. How do I know if my Penn reel is original?

There are a lot of fake Penn Reels out there, so it’s important to be careful. Look for signs of wear and tear that are consistent with the age of the reel. If the reel looks too new or perfect, it might be a fake.

By using these resources and following the tips above, you can learn about the history of your Penn Reel and see where it fits in the timeline of Penn Reel history.

See more here: Where To Find Model Number On Penn Reel? | How To Tell When A Penn Reel Was Made

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