Mitchell Reel Forum

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, 0235xxx would of been later in the 1963 production year. As usual, for Mitchell progression, there are some characteristics on earlier 408s that identify them from later reels. This one is in exemplary condition.

The 408 was a vast improvement over the 308 with helical gearing providing a 5:1 retrieve ratio and a considerably smoother operation. These gears significantly "quieted" down the vibrations from the standard 4:1 308 gearing.

Sandman

Hi Chris,

That is an awesome looking reel! Your collection must be amazing. It must have taken you a decade to collect information on that many Mitchell 408 reels. Great job, keep up the good work!

Regards,
Wallace

Sandman,
Interesting post about your 408. It will something to see if anyone finds a lower SN.
In my collecting days, I concentrated on the 300s though I have had a few 308s and 408s that I used for fishing.
Since your post is about an early one, I just picked up what I think may be one of the last 408s made in France.
It caught my attention at a flea market because it looked near new and it was black, so I expected it to be one that was made in Asia. It was a surprise to me that it was stamped "France" with no serial number.
After checking around on the net, I discovered that this version was made in the last year before moving production to Taiwan.
It supposedly has the same gearing as the Mitchell 308 PRO.
Please correct any statements that I've made here that are wrong.

Regards,
Ted Lanham

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 characteristics. There were so many changes from 1978-1986 that I have not focused recording aspects of this era. I focus on pre-1978. Also, the fact that 408s were no longer 5:1 ratio when they went to the Blue Sky reel (they dropped the Gleason gearing), my interest in that period waned.

I have a 308Pro that matches up with your 408 pretty well. MIF cast on foot with no serial number, same writing on back plate and 5.5:1 crosswind gearing. Box says MIF too. Production records show the 308Pro was only 1986, so that would makes sense for your 408 too.

Sandman

Sandman,
Your 308PRO and my 408 have a lot in common. Not being a ultalite collector, I did my investigating on the net and found this site. https://kawakami176.wixsite.com/408legacy/gallery
This guy seems to have done a lot of work putting together.
According to his information, the handle on mine isn't what came with. I like the older handle better.

Regards,
Ted Lanham

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 site.

Yes, it seems your 408 is a 308Pro (non-Planamatic version) without the gold anodizing, black painted items and the engraving badge. It tells you what they stared with when they made the 308Pro. And I agree, the crank handle with Torpedo grasp and angled shaft, is not original to the reel.

Sandman

Sandman,
Great photos and a lovely post. Could you possibly post an image of a 308 Pro schematic say around 1988 version? I have so many unanswered questions about this version and a schematic would be really helpful as I don't have any.

Ted,
Went to the website you linked to in your post and was thrilled to see it. Wish someone would do an exploded diagram like his for a 300. What a talented guy and a great link.

Thanks so much
Kind Regards,
Bill

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 308 Pro was only produced in 1986-87, though there were at least two versions, a Pro (Crosswind) and a Pro (Planamatic). Note the drawing appears to be dated 01-87.

Sandman

Sandman,
Thank you so much for posting the great shots of your 308 Pro. Nice to see the whole outfit and one I don't think I have seen before. Also, thanks for posting the 300 Pro schematic as it is one I have never been able to find.
Kind Regards,
Bill

i got one of the first K reg 300 models

Bill, attached is the 308 Pro schematic.