I have seen a few multi colored Delmar 285 reels and a few 85. Each one is unique to any other. Some more colorful, and some only have a couple colors

 Here is one I found on the internet. I believe it is a Delmar 285, and of course the owner isn't selling, just showing

That's beautiful Ted!

 This is not painted or photo chopped. It's real inside and out. Bright light brings out all the vibrant colors

 These first posts were just an example of dating early 50's Penn reels. Dating pre-1950 Penns isn't too tough if you know what to look for. Pre war Penns can usually also be dated to within a 2-3 year window, and in many cases to 1 particular year.

 Dating mid 50's to 80's Penns is not rocket science, but it helps to have a few thousand boxed reels pass thru your hands to notice the subtle changes thru the years.

 Also, if you have a Penn box with or without a reel, that needs dating, we can possibly help with that also.

 -Ted-

 PS....when I say "we" can help, I'm hinting that I am not a total know it all, and new discoveries do happen, so nobody knows every tidbit about every model Penn made. I also have half dozen of the most knowledgeable Penn collectors on speed dial, including the Author of Penn History book Mike C

 Knowing what you got can be enlightening and could also fill your wallet depending on historical significance or rarity.

 Imagine a guy in a tackle shop that also sells used reels from "trade ins" and gifted a 'trade in" reel to a young boy and his dad that were gonna go fishing and looking to buy a reel. The reel was a 1932 Penn Model k, worth $1500-$2000. Shop owner found out months later and hoped someday the dad & son might return to his store so he could enlighten them, but that never happened. True story, cause it was me that told the shop owner about the value of the model k he so kindly gifted to a customer

Look for a lip where the arbor meets the side flanges. If there is a lip, it's pre war.

But it does have a Lip .
So don't that make it a Pre -War ?