My best find

[Fishabout]

I am pleased to share what I consider one of my best finds .
The actual exact verified 30 th Anniversary 498 xpro on the cover of Dennis Roberts
" The Mitchell Reel Collectors Reference Guide " 2000 .
NIB perfect.
Thanks to Clara Roberts for the opportunity to purchase this reel.

[Ted Lanham]

Fishabout,
Wow! Congratulations on picking up that one.

Regards,
Ted Lanham

[cshannon772]

Tracy,
A fantastic find in and of itself, but to have the provenance from Dennis Roberts and the fact that it was the feature reel on the cover of his first Collector Manual earns it a position of honor in ANY collection. That would qualify as a "My Best Find" for most all Collectors. Congratulations my friend!

Kind Regards,
Chris

[Fishabout]

Thanks Ted and Chris. The reason I said possibly Chris was I was also lucky enough to add the Pro Africa 498x that featured on the inside cover of the same publication and the Pro Millinium also both the best examples I have owned . So if you include the Bill Burke 308s chain drive from the same collection I think I got a 4 way tie for my best find. Once again a big thanks to Clara Roberts for making it possible the Lady is a tuff negotiater but we made it happen. Cheers Tracey.

[Simone Baschirotto]

I agree with everything Chris has written.
I am happy these Mitchells go to collectors who appreciate and preserve their history.
Dennis was a unique and special collector.

[Fishabout]

Thanks Simone they are in safe hands. Cheers

[cshannon772]

Hi Tracey,
I've been sitting here in the Reel Room this evening, looking around and thinking about "My Best Find". I do have some favorites but WHAT really is my "Best Find"?? I guess it could be my 1st Version CAP by La Canne a Peche?

1st Version CAP.jpg (166.15 KiB) Viewed 19735 times

I have a couple and they're quite hard to find but I know a Collector or two who also have them.

Maybe a 1st Version Mitchell Salt Water?

1st Version Salt Water.jpg (156.8 KiB) Viewed 19735 times

No, Same as above - but I do love them though.

How about a Mint Wedding Cake Tournament Casting Mitchell?

Wedding Cake.jpg (186.11 KiB) Viewed 19735 times

Probably a great choice; It is just beautiful and pretty special, but special enough? Maybe not.

Then there's the Garcia Mitchell 300 K Kit in the metal tackle box - all original with everything from 1954.

1954 300K Kit.jpg (189.88 KiB) Viewed 19735 times

A great piece and the only one I've ever seen or heard of and it is complete. But is it over the top?

NOPE! None of the above. My Best Find Ever is:...................

[cshannon772]

My "Best Find" isn't even a Reel!
It is the Mitchell Part #808. This is the conversion kit to convert the Mitchell from a half-bail reel to a full bail reel:

808.jpg (115.75 KiB) Viewed 19735 times

808 1.jpg (164.55 KiB) Viewed 19735 times

808 2.jpg (179.19 KiB) Viewed 19735 times

808 3.jpg (162.05 KiB) Viewed 19735 times

This is all original and new from the very early 1950's. I've only ever seen two of these and I don't know anyone else who has one in any condition. I don't normally use the "Rare" word but in my honest opinion these are Very Rare! I hope you enjoy seeing it and as always, questions and comments are always welcome.

Kind Regards,
Chris

[Fishabout]

Chris you never fail to inspire me . Your best finds difficult very difficult to pick one out of those you sent neck and neck for me CAP v Weeding cake . Bugger it just sell them to me takes the pressure off you trying to decide. .

[toulady6]

Hi Chris ,

Very nice finds !
My best find is still the Mitchell 4th version Albatros with the original Albatros stand .

IMG_0082 (4).JPG (697.48 KiB) Viewed 19708 times

regards Dries

[toulady6]

Here the Albatros stand , maybe 10 made

IMG_0008 (3).JPG (590.4 KiB) Viewed 19705 times

regards Dries

[Simone Baschirotto]

Chris, Dries, Tracey .. Fantastic discoveries ..
I've seen them before, Tracey's thanks to Clara and Chris's thanks to her shares. Dries' albatross is a reel I've seen and I'm looking for a reel with that rare adhesive.
I had never seen the gold albatross sticker on the spare reel box. Even today I have learned something.
Thanks for your shares

[toulady6]

Ciao Simone

thank you , the second picture is a reel stand
This one is from 1950 and i,m happy to have 2 in my collection now .
I have a good connextion with albatros so i,m hoping to find some more interesting items

greetings from the low land

Dries

[Simone Baschirotto]

Ciao Simone

thank you , the second picture is a reel stand
This one is from 1950 and i,m happy to have 2 in my collection now .
I have a good connextion with albatros so i,m hoping to find some more interesting items

greetings from the low land

Dries

I also have many Albatros, perhaps the 1st version tournament albatross with polished aluminum spool is the most beautiful. I also have documents that I cannot share. I also have a 307 Albatros and a 302 Arca / Moerman / PUM boxed.
Arca, Albatros, Moermann etc. I always have a lot of interest in these reels, a sticker, an engraving or a document allow you to immediately know a part of their history

[Fishabout]

Simone can you share some pics please 1st version Albatross tournament sounds very interesting. Cheers

[Bonaventure]

Am I correct to surmise that the 498has a composite body vice one of Metal?

[Fishabout]

Hi Bonaventure All the 498x series from 1992 until the end of 498 production 2000/2001 had composite body's and spools I believe. Cheers.

[Fishabout]

To be precise " Construction in Graphite material "..

[Simone Baschirotto]

Simone can you share some pics please 1st version Albatross tournament sounds very interesting. Cheers

Now I can't add more photos, I try to reduce them.
It is one of my reels that I really like..

[Bailarm]

Lovely Simone, and SO rare!

I always wanted the side cover from one to build the 'ultimate' Mitchell reel, but I've got completely used to the rotor going around the way it does now and no longer notice it.

[Simone Baschirotto]

Lovely Simone, and SO rare!

I always wanted the side cover from one to build the 'ultimate' Mitchell reel, but I've got completely used to the rotor going around the way it does now and no longer notice it.

I also like the idea of ​​making the best Mitchell 300.
One day when I really know everything about each version I do it to use it until the end of my days.
I found a special version produced in Cluses with counterclockwise rotor gear, it's still early to share it.It comes very close to my idea of ​​the perfect Mitchell.Unfortunately today I think it is too beautiful and aesthetically perfect to use it in total serenity and I have never found those parts to make another one.