Mitchell Reel Collecting Primer

By: Dennis Roberts

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 Many articles have been written over the years about the finer points of Mitchell reel collecting but never has an article been presented that establishes a basic starting point or a how-to for collecting. With the increase in authors who provide insight as to the many nuances of Mitchell reels, it becomes increasingly important to provide the basics for all collectors, both new and advanced, of the unique and sometimes ambiguous characteristic of Mitchell reels. It is also of equal importance that collectors follow established guidelines for reel identification and what constitutes a version that should make their task easier.

The paradigm for collecting is developing a well defined knowledge base.  One of the first items a new collector should consider is the extent of involvement, meaning to what end is your interest. You can option to indulge in collecting a full range of Mitchells or, like most, limit your collection to certain models or series. The latter helps control the cost factor and makes obtaining a complete collection possible. Once you set your goals, the next step would be to immerse yourself into various publications and web forums that offer a wealth of information to build your foundation and understanding of what you need to know and want to collect. Read more