Mitchell Reel Museum Discussion Group

Hi Mates,

This is another "must have" collector/enthusiast publication, Written by the late Dennis Roberts...He authored several Collector Guides, but I think this is his most comprehensive work. Mitchell Collector's Value Guide 1937- 2000, written by Dennis Roberts and published in 2006.


Again, out of publication but can be found occasionally and well worth the price. It lists most all of the Mitchells and their various versions. The price ranges are dated but still a great reference. I have used this book extensively.


Just a wealth of information in this book!

Regards,
Chris

Chris,
Thanks for adding this string. It is an invaluable addition to the Museum, plus we'll know who to ask questions to.

Regards,
Ted

Hi Mates,
A couple more references for the collector/enthusiast.

This is one of the earlier books about Mitchell reels and remains an excellent reference. Although a small paperback (28 pages) and a supplement, there is a lot of interesting information.
Mitchell Birth of a Legend, A Collector's Guide by Barry Frewing and published in the UK in 1996.



This book contains a history of Mitchell, production numbers, patent information and the supplement refines production numbers/dates and dating of the mid size egg body Mitchell.
These books are still available and not very expensive through a second printing in 2005.

Regards,
Chris

Hi Mates,

The late Ben Wright is known world-wide for his expertise and documentation of spinning reels. Most collectors and enthusiasts of spinning reels of all types will recognize him as "The" expert on spinning reels. He wrote extensively on the history, evolution and the companies that produced spinning reels throughout the world.



While he didn't write exclusively about the Mitchell, he has well documented their reels and some of the Company history (as we all know, Mitchell was a leading force in the development and production of the spinning reel). I haven't found Ben's first edition in the condition I'm looking for yet but his books are readily available on the interweb - a worthwhile investment for any collector/enthusiast.

Regards,
Chris

Hi Mates,

Here's a later entry in Mitchell documentation - probably the latest.
Mitchell A "Class by Itself" 1939-1978, written by Paul J. Hyde Jr and published in 2013. This book is still available.



This book contains a lot of information and while I would never disparage another persons work; in my opinion, not much new/original material if you have read or possess the aforementioned books. If you don't or haven't, it's probably a good basic start to your library of reference material.

Regards,
Chris

Hello Chris,

In addition to your books, a few other books that I own.
One of James Partridge (2010) on Ultra-Light
One of Luc de Medts, the first on Mitchell (1999)
One of Wallace Carney & Barry Freewing (2006) Rebirth of a Legend
One of the Municipal Archives of Cluses (1993) on the Carpano Ets
And finally a book made in two copies by myself in 2003, when my knowledge was less than now

Best Regards
Christian

Adding a reference work by Bernard Caminade. I do not own and have not read this book, but it comes highly recommended.

The book has an extensive section on Mitchells covering all of the models and also covers most French reels including the original CAP and Pecos reels. The book is in French, but the important parts are easily understood.

If anyone is interested, PM me, as I can provide purchase details. It is about $50 US, or so.

Sandman

Christian, thank you for expounding on Caminade's work, and providing the other authors too. I wish I had all those in my library.

Thought I would provide a little more color on the work Dennis Roberts completed that Chris Shannon mentioned earlier.

Dennis finished work on a book and a two volume set in early 2008. There were only twelve copies produced, which were directly issued to the Mitchell aficionados who collaborated with Dennis on the book. This set was the culmination of Dennis' long and passionate career of collecting and studying Mitchell reels. The set was intended to be updated every six months, by Dennis, in the form of addendums, based on new information. New pages were to be sent out to each of the twelve owners of the sets, who in turn were to insert the updated info in a third volume specifically designed (also to be sent approx six months after the initial release) for the addendums. The first two volumes were three ring binders which were already full.

One of the collaborators, Mike DiMattio, was to send an accompanying CD that he created, sometime after the original release. I do not know if this was ever sent.

I've attached photos of the book and two volume set. This set was initially provided to Barry Frewing and subsequently (after Dennis' passing) to a fellow Mitchell collector.

Since this reference material was never made available to the general public, it does not directly help even the serious collectors of today who were not issued the set, though I imagine much of the information has permeated through the community via the collaborators of the work.

IMHO, I don't think it's a stretch to say this is one on the top collectible reference books and for that matter, Mitchell items, including reels.

Sandman

Christian, thank you for the clarification. I figured you were one of the twelve recipients.

Below is the first page with security seal.

Chris,
I wanted to add my thanks for another fantastic post. I am really enjoying this thread and wanted to contribute by adding photos of another version of Wallace Carney's: The Mitchell Classic 300 Spinning Reel book I found. This version includes his famous "Dating Reels By Serial Numbers" guide, adding 3 pages to the original.

Thanks again Chris and all the Mates who contributed.
Kind Regards,
Bill

Hello Mates,

This is the Mitchell Vintage Fishing Reel Schematics - Study Guide published in 2008 by Wallace. It is a wealth of information, containing all of the schematics/changes for each Mitchell reel model, a parts cross reference for the old up to 3 digit part numbers and a production numbers sheet for all of the Mitchell reel models.



Another great reference that I think would be an essential part of any Collector's library....It covers them all.


Regards,
Chris

Hello Sandam,

The price on these tariffs is the price for the sellers of equipment Mitchell including the TVA, tax perceived by the French State.
The price reduction for the purchase of several reels is as follows:
8% for 12 reels - 10% for 20 reels and 12% for 50 reels
The price of a 308 with two spools (small capacity and large capacity) in 1960 is 36,50 FF
Always happy to answer your questions,
Christian

Hi Mates,

Thank you all for the fantastic contributions! My initial goal for starting this thread was to give all Mates some idea of the material that was available to enhance their collection or even their enthusiasm in the Mitchell brand. So here are a few others.

The Garcia Fishing Annuals were published from 1958 to 1980. I have them all - which was no easy task . These magazines were available by subscription, at your local news stand or at authorized dealers. They contained fishing articles/stories, advertising and new products.....Great additions to your library and available on the "big site" for an average of around $12.00 a copy.


Next are the Trade Magazines, these were for the Garcia Mitchell Dealers - especially the early versions. These started in 1950/52?? They documented the newest available products (rods, reels, lures, line etc.) and while they were annuals, they also had mid year updates as Garcia and products evolved. Prices were wholesale and included displays/advertising etc. A wealth of information. I have many of these but not all yet, these are harder to find than the Fishing Annuals and usually demand a higher price.


And finally was the Spin Fisherman. These were marketing publications to attract more Fishermen/Fisherwomen to the Mitchell spinning scene. They were published in the 1950s and contained advertising, stories, fish recipes, photos of Mitchell Fishermen/women with their catches etc.. They were available by subscription and are quite hard to find but great little magazines, especially to get a flavor of what spin fishing was like back then.

Other Mates have recently provided excerpts from the Spin Fisherman in other threads.

Mates, I started this thread because I don't think anyone can have too much reference material...knowledge enhances the collecting experience and allows for "smart" decisions. Thank you to all who have contributed to expand all of our knowledge - many which I have never seen before either. I only have a few other references so please Mates, add to expand our knowledge and understanding of the Mitchell brand and history. We don't know what's out there if we've never seen it.

Kind Regards,
Chris