It's widely known there was an unscrupulous entity creating fake DL reels for profit. Though I've never personally handled one. Even boxes. See photo. Admittedly, its a beautiful box, but not produced by Mitchell. Maybe that is why this 330 has gold accents.
Sandman
Search found 122 matches
- Wed Apr 17, 2024 3:52 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: The unmarked GOLD 330 autobail
- Replies: 9
- Views: 936
- Thu Apr 11, 2024 11:06 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: Mitchell 300
- Replies: 2
- Views: 246
Re: Mitchell 300
One, I concur with Bill. It is not a rare reel. The Mitchell 300 spinning reel was the most prolific spinning reel ever made. Nearly 14M were produced spanning four decades. Which is an indicator of its quality and thus popularity. By 1959 there were over 1.5M produced. While in typical used conditi...
- Thu Apr 11, 2024 10:55 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: Prince 308
- Replies: 1
- Views: 206
Re: Prince 308
Rob, we can know the year of manufacture (pretty close) by the characteristics. If you post good photos we can tell you.
Baby powder and high magnifier is the best method to read serial numbers. Which only goes so far.
Sandman
Baby powder and high magnifier is the best method to read serial numbers. Which only goes so far.
Sandman
- Mon Apr 08, 2024 5:28 pm
- Forum: Mitchell History Discussions
- Topic: Boxed Mitchell reel with sticker on the box
- Replies: 2
- Views: 594
Re: Boxed Mitchell reel with sticker on the box
Bailarm, yes, Fred Meyer always had a sporting goods section where they sold fishing gear. They still do. They advertised themselves as "The One-Stop Shopping Store". Even though I grew up with several Fred Meyer's near me, I don't think I ever purchased fishing gear from them, since there...
- Thu Apr 04, 2024 12:25 am
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: My 408
- Replies: 5
- Views: 3191
Re: My 408
And we'd love to see them and know the serial numbers.
Sandman
Sandman
- Tue Apr 02, 2024 11:14 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: My 408
- Replies: 5
- Views: 3191
Re: My 408
Rob, welcome to the Mitchell Reel Museum! Yes, that is what is going on. All the types of reels in the chart above were numbered sequentially, no matter the model number. A logical assumption would be that they started with #000001 in 1959, but no serial number below about #003000 has been discovere...
- Thu Mar 07, 2024 12:28 am
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: Biggest Fish on a 308?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1756
Re: Biggest Fish on a 308?
6lb Channel Cat on a six foot, 5wt 1970s Fenwick fly rod.
- Fri Jan 12, 2024 7:09 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: First 408
- Replies: 10
- Views: 73913
Re: First 408
Bill, attached is the 308 Pro schematic.
- Tue Nov 14, 2023 11:18 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: First Garcia Mitchell 307
- Replies: 6
- Views: 6760
Re: First Garcia Mitchell 307
Here is a pair of 1958 versions.
Sandman
Sandman
- Tue Nov 14, 2023 10:36 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: First Garcia Mitchell 307
- Replies: 6
- Views: 6760
Re: First Garcia Mitchell 307
Mark, that serial number is a very low 306/307 number. If correct, it is a first year production of 1958. There is a good chance you are unable to read a preceding number indicating a later production. There were always the digit 0 preceding that low of a serial number. Does your reel have a yellow ...
- Sat Oct 28, 2023 4:47 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: First 408
- Replies: 10
- Views: 73913
Re: First 408
First, I should mention James Partridge also created an outstanding Mitchell UL reference, in the form of a book. For clarity, Julien's is the best 408 'on-line' UL info I've seen. Bill, I'm glad to share the schematic from my 308 Pro. It came with it, as the package was MIB. As far as I know, the 3...
- Thu Oct 26, 2023 5:38 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: First 408
- Replies: 10
- Views: 73913
Re: First 408
Ted, you found Julien Cohendy's website. He is/has been a member here. Christian Lhermitte introduced him to me. We have corresponded. His website is fabulous and the most comprehensive 408 documentation I know. The exploded views are remarkable. Anyone interested in these reels should visit his sit...
- Thu Oct 26, 2023 12:38 am
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: First 408
- Replies: 10
- Views: 73913
Re: First 408
Thanks Wallace, and welcome back! The over 1000, 308 reels I've recorded, has taken even longer. Ted, that's a beautiful reel and should fish quite well. I think your research is spot on. While I can't verify yours was the last year before heading to Asia for production, it makes sense from the char...
- Tue Oct 24, 2023 9:49 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: First 408
- Replies: 10
- Views: 73913
First 408
Thought I'd share a nice 408. I've recorded over 300, 408/409 reels and this is the lowest serial number I've seen. Does anyone have a lower SN? I acquired it several years ago from a local online ad. There were only 2070 made the first production year of 1963. Given the sequential numbering of ULs,...
- Thu Oct 19, 2023 6:56 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: 300 no ser #, Raised stamp plate Made in France ?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 3814
Re: 300 no ser #, Raised stamp plate Made in France ?
I see an old looking head and faceplate, a line guide screw from pre 1963, an A/R lever from pre 1963, a crank handle from the eighties and replacement body (no SN) from the seventies...this reel may span four decades.
Sandman
Sandman
- Mon Sep 04, 2023 4:17 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: 436472
- Replies: 1
- Views: 2469
Re: 436472
GLW, welcome to the Mitchell Reel Museum. Your 308 has a serial number indicating a 1966 production year. Glad to answer any other questions.
Sandman
Sandman
- Mon Jul 31, 2023 5:21 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: mitchell salt water
- Replies: 7
- Views: 6420
Re: mitchell salt water
timben, your Salt Water reel dates to production year 1955. It would of had a yellow/black Garcia sticker. The 302 model number was not engraved on these until 1956. The serial numbers were sequentially numbered, so yours was the 43,474 produced, inclusive of right hand crank (303) Salt Water reels....
- Tue Jun 27, 2023 4:09 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Service Talk
- Topic: 308/408e anti-reverse dog and spring installation
- Replies: 9
- Views: 6367
Re: 308/408e anti-reverse dog and spring installation
Stripped threads in the bail arm post: I might try filling with JBWeld and/or an epoxy and turning in the screw as a perm fix, knowing the head is a lost cause.
Sandman
Sandman
- Mon Jun 26, 2023 4:05 pm
- Forum: Show & Tell All Things Mitchell
- Topic: My Father-In-Law
- Replies: 6
- Views: 3759
Re: My Father-In-Law
The 308 with SN 118212 is from 1961. Third year of production for that model. Considered a second version with some desirable early parts.
Sandman
Sandman
- Mon Jun 26, 2023 4:00 pm
- Forum: Show & Tell All Things Mitchell
- Topic: My Father-In-Law
- Replies: 6
- Views: 3759
Re: My Father-In-Law
Late 1954. Salt Water half-bale serial numbers range from about A1000 - A4000. So only 3K produced, or so. I've recorded about 20 and don't believe I've ever seen one is as nice of condition as yours. Commonly, they have a modified foot and significant paint loss. I surmise that not many remain, due...
- Mon Jun 26, 2023 5:18 am
- Forum: Show & Tell All Things Mitchell
- Topic: My Father-In-Law
- Replies: 6
- Views: 3759
Re: My Father-In-Law
Manitou, welcome to the Mitchell Reel Museum. Your Salt Water is an exceptional reel. Glad to answer any questions.
Sandman
Sandman
- Mon Jun 26, 2023 5:12 am
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Service Talk
- Topic: 308/408e anti-reverse dog and spring installation
- Replies: 9
- Views: 6367
Re: 308/408e anti-reverse dog and spring installation
Reynolds’s, yes, there are two tricks to get the dawg and spring back in the correct position. First, as shown in twills first photo, place the a/r lever in the engaged position (as when the dog clicks on the main gear). Next, place the dawg and spring in position without slipping the dog down onto ...
- Mon May 08, 2023 3:38 am
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Service Talk
- Topic: Mitchell 308 pinion assembly... "something ain't right!"
- Replies: 3
- Views: 3078
Re: Mitchell 308 pinion assembly... "something ain't right!"
Hi Zed… #1) The bearings could be grinding….I’ve found the most common grinding noise on the 308 is the pinion gear meshing with the main gear. This gear design is not the quietest ever and if someone changed one of the gears along the way, that increases the likely hood of poor meshing. You won’t k...
- Sun May 07, 2023 1:23 am
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Service Talk
- Topic: Mitchell 308 pinion assembly... "something ain't right!"
- Replies: 3
- Views: 3078
Re: Mitchell 308 pinion assembly... "something ain't right!"
Zed, :text-welcomewave: to the MRM. I’ve had that happen a number of times. The pinion is stuck in the body housing. I’ve had to tap the pinion gear with a dowel from the inside of the body. Have to use just the right size dowel and it will be at a bit of an angle, but it has always worked. Never hu...
- Sat Apr 29, 2023 2:34 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Service Talk
- Topic: 302 Problem: Handle Contacts with Bail Wire
- Replies: 4
- Views: 4827
Re: 302 Problem: Handle Contacts with Bail Wire
This was a known problem out of the factory on early full bail 302 reels. The fix was to extend the shoulder on the crank handle to alleviate this. So you either have an early 3O2 handle or the handle or bail wire got bent somehow.
Sandman
Sandman
- Wed Mar 22, 2023 11:41 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: Triangular Spool Shape
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2903
Re: Triangular Spool Shape
becka, welcome to the MRM forum!!
I've had that happen when plastic arbors are spooled by a machine at a sporting goods store. The machine winds the line too tight on the spool crushing the plastic arbor. I've loaded all my spools manually ever since.
Sandman
I've had that happen when plastic arbors are spooled by a machine at a sporting goods store. The machine winds the line too tight on the spool crushing the plastic arbor. I've loaded all my spools manually ever since.
Sandman
- Wed Mar 22, 2023 4:02 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: Mitchell Rapid
- Replies: 3
- Views: 4290
Re: Mitchell Rapid
Kim, a quiz....thought someone more knowledgeable then me on classic egg shape history would of answered by now....not my specialty, but I'll give it a shot from memory. Somewhere about 56' - 57' Mitchell produced the Rapid, which was the first high speed version of the 300. I don't believe they wer...
- Wed Feb 15, 2023 7:32 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: Reels with same serial numbers.
- Replies: 10
- Views: 4536
Re: Reels with same serial numbers.
Correction to my last post, "new date code of March, 1975, further proves/indicates". This should of read March, 1974. Apologies for the typo.
Sandman
Sandman
- Wed Feb 15, 2023 5:29 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: Reels with same serial numbers.
- Replies: 10
- Views: 4536
Re: Reels with same serial numbers.
Ham, didn't mean to confuse, but I did take your thread in a related direction to the question of when the new date coding begin. Definitely pertinent to figuring out when your reels were produced and whether your reels began with a D or 0. So, the importance of me finding a reel with a new date cod...
- Tue Feb 14, 2023 11:13 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: Reels with same serial numbers.
- Replies: 10
- Views: 4536
Re: Reels with same serial numbers.
Your welcome. Welcome to the Mitchell Reel Museum!! Got my curiosity up, so I did some some digging through my reels and found one even earlier with the new date code (D071203). This one is March 12th, 1974. So, it looks like the thought that the new date code began in the 1975 production year doesn...
- Tue Feb 14, 2023 8:02 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: Reels with same serial numbers.
- Replies: 10
- Views: 4536
Re: Reels with same serial numbers.
The reels themselves are not rare. The fact that they stayed together their whole life is uncommon, but doesn't relate much to value. Would help value a bit if they were mint in box. Mostly, its just a fun fact that they have survived together as brothers...Value is mostly attributable to condition ...
- Tue Feb 14, 2023 4:10 am
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: Reels with same serial numbers.
- Replies: 10
- Views: 4536
Re: Reels with same serial numbers.
Aloha Justin, I was on the big island last week visiting. Beautiful island. While there were UL reels that had six digits preceded by a “0”, the “0” would not of been followed by as low of a number as 140XXX (they were numbered sequentially) and also had a no dashed model number and second version b...
- Mon Feb 13, 2023 8:38 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: Reels with same serial numbers.
- Replies: 10
- Views: 4536
Re: Reels with same serial numbers.
Very interesting. While there are a few known examples of reels with the same serial number, that is not my first inclination here. A couple reasons why. I believe the number "0" as the first numeral is actually a "D" indicating a 1974 production year. These reels characteristics...
- Tue Jan 24, 2023 5:14 am
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: Age of 302 reel?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 2613
Re: Age of 302 reel?
Thanks Don. PM’ed you and Phil back.
Sandman.
Sandman.
- Sun Jan 22, 2023 6:05 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: Age of 302 reel?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 2613
Re: Age of 302 reel?
That serial number is not from the ‘50s. Later ‘60s makes sense. I’ll check my records when I get home from vacation. The 0 was added at the front to prepare stamping for the eventuality of one million reels. Other characteristics would indicate production era. Photos are best.
Sandman
Sandman
- Mon Jan 09, 2023 10:36 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: 303 reel part?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 3901
Re: 303 reel part?
Notches face the bearings. And Yes, the retaining screws go into the notches. That is why the notches are there.
Sandman
Sandman
- Sat Dec 31, 2022 4:38 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: Anti inertia brake (302)
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1394
Re: Anti inertia brake (302)
Sea Hunter, Bill described the function of of the anti inertia break well. They were not factory installed until around 30,000 (A30000) reels, or so. They can be added and many were.
Sandman
Sandman
- Fri Dec 30, 2022 11:54 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: Identify this reel please
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1029
Re: Identify this reel please
Pretty sure the only model that has a red plug with that serial number is an early Salt Water (302 or 303).
Sandman
Sandman
- Tue Nov 29, 2022 8:44 pm
- Forum: Mitchell History Discussions
- Topic: An unusual 'lefty'
- Replies: 4
- Views: 6165
Re: An unusual 'lefty'
The only cast mark found on very early (1960, beginning about 009000) 308 reels is LM1 and progressing to LM2 in 1961. The very first 308 reels (about the first 9000) did not have a casting mark, with the exception of one in the 003400 range that I have found. After 009000, they all had this cast ma...
- Tue Nov 01, 2022 4:06 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: 308 Dates.
- Replies: 2
- Views: 2024
Re: 308 Dates.
Schrack, here is a dating chart for all ULs.
Sandman
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Sandman
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- Thu Oct 27, 2022 2:22 am
- Forum: Mitchell History Discussions
- Topic: Odd Ball Line Retainer
- Replies: 4
- Views: 7698
Re: Odd Ball Line Retainer
Ted, it looks like someone painted a Bearing Buddy bra. The one below is aftermarket so it has no markings.
Sandman
Sandman
- Fri Oct 21, 2022 1:13 am
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: Cover plate foundry markings
- Replies: 32
- Views: 20128
Re: Cover plate foundry markings
Nice 2nd version John. Definitely a first version spool. I've attached Wallace's Transfer gear versions for further identification. Like Bailarm mentions, it's good to see the clicker spring intact. Mine has one arm broken. Sandman Screen Shot 2017-05-25 at 12.16.12 AM.png Screen Shot 2017-05-25 at ...
- Thu Jun 30, 2022 6:05 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Service Talk
- Topic: Mitchell 302
- Replies: 9
- Views: 6511
Re: Mitchell 302
Glen, check the axle guide for smooth gliding. It may be locking up at some point.
Sandman
Sandman
- Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:50 am
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: 1rst version Mitchell with 5 on the foot.
- Replies: 11
- Views: 2960
Re: 1rst version Mitchell with 5 on the foot.
Agree with Ted. A very early third version indicated by the very squared off foot and non-chamfered crank handle counterweight which seems original to the reel given the overall condition of all. In general, a well preserved early third version. Would be cool to see the main and transfer gear. Start...
- Mon May 23, 2022 4:23 am
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: Mitchell 308 SN info.
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1004
Re: Mitchell 308 SN info.
Yes, a little…that SN is from about 1962-63…I can tell you more definitively when I get back in town. From the two photos everything looks stock from those years including the spring loaded crank handle counterweight, crank handle grasp, bail arm, line guide screw, drag nut and model number engravin...
- Wed May 18, 2022 2:24 am
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: I HAVE 308 REEL WITH A 5 ON THE SPOOL HOUSING
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1087
Re: I HAVE 308 REEL WITH A 5 ON THE SPOOL HOUSING
Redwave, the 5 on the housing occurred about the same time they changed from a 4 coil bail spring to a 5 coil bail spring. Most believe this is what it denotes (housings with a five are made for 5 coil springs), though I don't think I've ever seen proof of that, it stands to reason. All UL housings ...
- Thu Apr 28, 2022 3:50 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: MITCHELL 486
- Replies: 6
- Views: 3757
Re: MITCHELL 486
You may want to give that person a nice Christmas present this year, those reels, in excellent condition fetch around $100 on ebay.
Sandman
Sandman
- Wed Apr 27, 2022 9:26 pm
- Forum: Mitchell Reel Talk
- Topic: 408 G
- Replies: 5
- Views: 3218
Re: 408 G
Congratulations! Arguably a centerpiece of a Mitchell collection.
Sandman
Sandman
- Wed Apr 27, 2022 3:30 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: MITCHELL 486
- Replies: 6
- Views: 3757
Re: MITCHELL 486
Glen, not a particularly rare reel...I wouldn't worry about selling it to a collector unless it is in NOS or near mint condition, then there may be a collector who wants it.
Sandman
Sandman
- Tue Apr 26, 2022 11:24 pm
- Forum: Questions to The Mitchell Reel Museum
- Topic: 302 1/2 Bail
- Replies: 24
- Views: 7420
Re: 302 1/2 Bail
Stick, thanks for the handle photo. That is the early no-shoulder handle. I know what you mean about it being shiny. mine is too. The later handles has some sort of coating or anodizing that made them more of a flat sheen. There were three different yellow Garcia stickers used on these reels. The fi...