Mitchell Reel Museum Discussion Group

Hi, I'm a first timer here so please bear with me , I live 20 miles south of Ensenada Mx. on the beach and have acquired several Mitchell reels in my years living here 2-386's a 387 a 303N and a couple of 302 salt waters my most recent acquisition is a 402 S/N 0819448 in really good condition and looks completely stock ,so my question is did Mitchell ever make 402 without the door knob crank knob as mine has the torpedo T knob complete with the screw dust cover , everything else is exactly right . Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. -- gls1934

To my knowledge the reel came with a round knob handle and not Torpedo. The Torpedo was for the egg-shaped reel with the "400" designation. As anyone out there that has worked on these reels, many parts are interchangeable. I myself use a Torpedo handle on a 331 reel. Better grasp than the paddle.........
Kim

Thanks , Oscillator1, my question was because of the pristine condition of the reel ,the only marks on it are where it attached to the reel seat. Here in Mexico is a good place to look for older Mitchell reels ,its near the border with a lot of American retirees and Mexican fishermen and most swap meets have some fishing gear but best of all is the price is right ,I don't think I've paid over $20 for any of my reels and this last one was $15 .
I hope this is the way to reply to your post , as I said I new at this and am just learning.--Gary

gls1934, The serial number on your 402 indicates that it is a VERY early first version, probably made in 1963 or possibly 1962. However as pointed out in previous posts, the handle should be a round knob.

There is a difference between the first version and later version handles. The most noticable is the blind holes drilled in the back side of the knob only on the first version. Other differences are the lack of a dust cover on the first version and the fine knurling on the handle counterweight. Here is a comparison:





It sounds like you have a nice reel there. It would be worth it to go on a search for a first version handle.