Mitchell Reel Forum

Hello, here is another reel I mentioned to post here. Bought from Larry C, Dennis's friend. Purchased together with the Blazer reel back in 2006. Here's some questions and I know the answers. Trying to mix things up here. When did Mitchell release the reel. Date? What reel did it transform into. What version is it?
Kim

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 were distributed in the US and the first version a had green crank handle grasp. There were a few characteristics that quickly changed in the first year or two and I believe you have a second version (a very nice example BTW). About 58' - 59' they changed the model name to 350 (they may have even badged it "Rapid 350" for a short time. About 63' - 64' they renamed it again to the 400 (potentially with some other upgrades such as ball bearing pinion gear, but not positive), though they kept producing the 350 for a number of years due to its popularity.

That's all I can recall right now...I could easily be off on some of this. Please correct as needed. maybe someone else has more exact info. All this use to be easily accessible on this site.

Sandman

It's certainly a very early reel as it just has 'Rapid' on it and a butterfly anti-reverse lever. I had thought these were only released in Europe, but since it doesn't have the green arbour and handle knob, maybe it's the first one to be sent to the US?

I guess that makes it a first version, which was launched in 1956.

There are French adverts for the reel dated to 1957 in George Saul's new book, along with an image of the Rapid blue box and a 'Not for exportation' sticker, in French.

Sandman, pretty good. Year is spot on. It is 1st version because of chevron AB lever. 2nd version came with the straight lever. Yes, Euro released but this version came with black knob. According to Dennis 2nd showed up on 1958 when 350 5/1 was etched into the plate version A and Rapid sticker on rotor. Version B, I presume same year had the green handle and no sticker. It did pave the way for the 400 series. I believe from discussions over the years Mitchell had the green handle so the fisherman could identify it quickly as to what reel he was using. Personally, a think a marketing strategy. Good memory..............Thanks for responding.
Kim


As I was about to send this out Bailarm also responded with accurate information.