  The absolute visual magnitudes of three Type IIb, 11 Type Ib and 13 Type Ic
supernovae (collectively known as stripped-envelope supernovae) are studied by
collecting data on the apparent magnitude, distance, and interstellar
extinction of each event. Weighted and unweighted mean absolute magnitudes of
the combined sample as well as various subsets of the sample are reported. The
limited sample size and the considerable uncertainties, especially those
associated with extinction in the host galaxies, prevent firm conclusions
regarding differences between the absolute magnitudes of supernovae of Type Ib
and Ic, and regarding the existence of separate groups of overluminous and
normal-luminosity stripped-envelope supernovae. The spectroscopic
characteristics of the events of the sample are considered. Three of the four
overluminous events are known to have had unusual spectra. Most but not all of
the normal luminosity events had typical spectra. Light curves of
stripped-envelope supernovae are collected and compared. Because SN 1994I in
M51 was very well observed it often is regarded as the prototypical Type Ic
supernova, but it has the fastest light curve in the sample. Light curves are
modeled by means of a simple analytical technique that, combined with a
constraint on E/M from spectroscopy, yields internally consistent values of
ejected mass, kinetic energy, and nickel mass.
