Mitchell Reel Forum

What were the early gears made of?
I just picked up a C 13xxxx and when I opened the case the one gear was made out of what appears to be nylon, is this correct?
Reel is in super shape and has not been used.
I have been noticing also the spools have a rubber or tape under the line when removed, kinda messy and hard to remove.
After I cleaned and lubed it is still kinda stiff.
Any input would be helpful.

Schrack, the plastic transfer gear in the 300 during the early to mid fifties was a composite polymer that may very well of been Delrin. I don’t know what Mitchell called it. It was a new development at the time and had great strength properties for a plastic, until it heated up. Under load, it was found to lose its shape and would cause the reel to bind. It was soon made in an aluminum alloy again to correct this.

Sandman

Thank you.
Would you replace it?
I have several others made of Metal and would only take a minute.
I would guess and say Reel was never used.
It is very stiff.

Hello

Here a picture of the nylon gears and as you can see one is damaged
If the reel is for display don,t change the gear to keep it original

if you're going to use it for fishing put a metal gear in it . regards

Dries

Roger Dat, I use my Reels, the best years are 54, 55.
I have a nice Vintage 6'6" St Croix for this Reel,
My first Mitchell was a 55, when I joined the Air Force in 63, my parents gave it away.
Mitchell's are the best Reels ever made.
Probably France's only accomplishment.

Well there was always the citroen

Let's not get into this sort of thing. French industry has produced some of the best aircraft, ships, consumer products on the planet. Peugeot automobiles are found throughout Europe, one of the most popular brands, the same for Renault and Citroen. This site celebrates just one example of the nation's manufacturing quality.

What reel manufacturer equalled Mitchell in both quality of product as well as service. Many collectors have parts kits that were distributed to dealers in order to maintain these reels for years. After the demise of Mitchell, many reels were assembled from the stock of parts that Garcia held. Mitchell's competition were mere consumer products, cast aside when broken or worn with no network for repair parts. Sadly this is what we have today.

Let's remember that some of our Mitchell Mates are from France, England, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and other places.

Viva Liberte , Viva Egalete , Viva Fraternite

Long live Liberty, Long live Equality, Long live Brotherhood

Viva la France

Glen