All of these models are usually presented in their catalogs but I have found a model I can not find and is also sort of a strange size reel. It is the Model 209. I can not find this model number in any of the Ocean City catalogs or parts books that I have. I am missing some years of catalogs, so I am hoping, someone else may have info on this model. It has been in my small OC collection for a few years and is the only one that I have seen in this size and model number.
From a side view, it does not look much different than other Ocean City reels from the late 1930's and 1940's. It has the auto free spool lever and the standard Ocean City handle from that era. It is a semi-large side plate with a 3 3/4 inch diameter but the width is tiny, like a fly reel.
The tail plate is also what is expected on a Ocean City. There are no tricky anti-backlash devices, just a clicker button control and adjustable spool bearing.
But here we come to the spool width. The distance from trim ring to trim ring is 1 1/8 inch. For a reel of this diameter and style, this is very weird. I would love to see the marketing concept applied to a reel built this way. There are other tall narrow salt water reels from Ocean City and Penn built this way for wire line trolling but they are at least a quarter of a inch wider than this reel.
This model is so narrow, there is barely enough metal to stamp the necessary cuts and bends into the brass to create a stand. Also, on the rear side of the stand bottom there is a stamping which states Model C.
The Model number is clear and the logo plate is normal and riveted to the side plate properly.
Well, there is it. maybe one of the Ocean City specialists out there can help me find out some more about this model.
Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas to all,
Mike C.
