Mitchell Reel Forum

Lately I look at all the reels I own in depth, I try to understand the old Mitchell engraved versions. I think this serial number "B" is the first 4th version produced.
The baffle plate with the hole is unusual looking at my "A" and "C" serials.
probably a useful feature for establishing its authenticity along with other unusual features for a full bail.
Any help in establishing the year of production of this version is appreciated.

Congratulations Simone, you have yourself one of the first full bails made, definitely!

On the old MRM Site US Mates referred to these as 'pilot reels, I think perhaps 'prototype' is what we in Europe might have called them.

Unusually heavy stamping of the serial number there....there's no mistaking any of those digits!

Did you discover the reel in Italy?


Congratulations once more.

Simone,
Very nice find.
I consider the pilot/prototype reel a rare reel to obtain. They all came with level-wind gearing, and dark blue metal knobs. Yours has higher serial number than most than range about 5000 less.

Regards,
Ted Lanham

Bailarm wrote: ↑Sun Jul 25, 2021 11:03 am Congratulations Simone, you have yourself one of the first full bails made, definitely!

On the old MRM Site US Mates referred to these as 'pilot reels, I think perhaps 'prototype' is what we in Europe might have called them.

Unusually heavy stamping of the serial number there....there's no mistaking any of those digits!

Did you discover the reel in Italy?


Congratulations once more.

I received it as a gift from an expert collector friend of Italian and Abu reels.

Ted Lanham wrote: ↑Sun Jul 25, 2021 1:20 pm Simone,
Very nice find.
I consider the pilot/prototype reel a rare reel to obtain. They all came with level-wind gearing, and dark blue metal knobs. Yours has higher serial number than most than range about 5000 less.

Regards,
Ted Lanham

I also think it is a very high number of this version.
I think it is possible that the serial numbers B9 #### already have the first plastic crank handles.
I also believe the baffle shortly after my serial number.
I have to see others to be sure, but I have already seen 8 reels with serial B ##### and complete bail with these internal mechanical characteristics.
I think many serial numbers remain unnoticed, if everyone checks their 4th version we can probably discover many others and have clearer and more precise ideas

Simone,

I agree!

Regards,
Ted Lanham

Look at what we discovered yesterday in France. You saw the serial number

Here are the photos of the latest discovered in France that belongs to a fisherman who still uses it, with a serial number that I consider very low for this version.
My first visa is very high