Mitchell Reel Forum

My three oldest 300's. From left to right:

Serial# B48054
Serial# B99733
Serial# C05700

I wonder if any of those are pilot reels?


With those serial numbers they might all be!

The first one on the left I'd bet on it. The rotating head and the bail wire have some unique differences from the other two. The C prefixed one is a very low number. I haven't seen any others with a C prefix with a serial number in that same ballpark. Doesn't mean they don't exist. I keep looking!

Pratt2112,
The one on the left may even have the "Hershey's Kiss" line guides. Can't tell for sure, but kind of looks that way.

Ted Lanham

Pratt2112,
Could you please remove the spools and show us a photo of the baffle plates under the spools?
Kind Regards,
Bill

Same sequence as previous picture.

Up jumped the devil.


Ted Lanham

Pratt2112,
If and when you decided to take the first one apart can we have a peek?
Kind Regards,
Bill

GreatLaker wrote: ↑Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:28 am Pratt2112,
If and when you decided to take the first one apart can we have a peek?
Kind Regards,
Bill

Certainly!

I thoroughly cleaned and lubed after stripping down. There was the usual dirt, debris and garden variety decades old grime. The gears cleaned up well. The level wind gears seemed to match the serial number. I replaced/added a few shims here and there and this beauty purrs like a kitten. It's in my regular rotation and gets used often. I do believe this is one of the FIRST full bail Mitchell's! Some of the resident historians in the group can better verify that. The crown jewel of my collection!