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.

Mitchell collecting became prominent in the mid 90’s; with it the abundance and availability of reels. As demand increased, reels, especially with the original box, have become increasingly difficult to obtain. You would think demand would increase availability but with collectables that are finite in quantity, the opposite holds true. This is not to deter future collectors but to shape the landscape of what lies ahead for the collector. From what can be determined, Mitchell collecting, to some extent, is cyclic in terms of value and availability. One can also include interest that also changes from one generation to another.

There are many outlets available to purchase Mitchell reels: on line auctions, private auctions, trading with other collectors, antique fishing shows, estate sales, etc.   As you become familiar with the hobby, you will find it easier to negotiate these venues to find what you are looking for and add to your collection. Reel value is another factor the future collector needs to address early on in his/her collecting. I can fill many pages on the value of what a reel is worth but the bottom line is what you are willing to pay. Hence, knowledge of value is equally important as knowing the types of reels you want to collect.

When all of the above comes together, the collector’s journey begins in earnest. The next questions to ask are: How do I proceed with my endeavor, what are the finer points that I need to know and what information is important and what is not when establishing my collection; how do I sort through the many articles and information both electronically and in print; and lastly, what is accurate and in what context as it relates to my needs to build my collection?  What I have just listed is very complex but necessary to start collecting. Let’s look at some of these items and help explain each.  The most important item any collector either new or advanced should adhere to is following established fundamentals for identifying reels. These guidelines have been established many years ago and present a well disciplined method and easy format to follow.

Primary Reel Identification

For the most part, collectors are in general agreement and follow guidelines of what constitutes different models / versions. The following sequence should help clarify this process. The first and most important is the model number and year of issue. Next would be the vendors identifying marks on the reel proper, i.e. Garcia, Arca, Albatros, Balzer, etc. This is then followed by the reel color, and inscription type, i.e. inscribed, raised, or decaled. Also included in identification is spool color and design, and to a lesser degree, changes to the handle, anti-reverse mechanism, bail type, and drag knob. Collectively, these external variables culminate into degrees of separation that help distinguish one model / version from another and assist with reel identification.  The above is just a synopsis of each. Various publications are available to help clarify each in depth.                                                         

 

 

 

 

Examples of vendor Labling

Secondary Reel Identification  Methods  

Although the above lists the overall primary variables that define  reel identification and what collectors should consider, some collectors extend this to encompass mechanical changes including internal modifications. In this author’s opinion and based on established guidelines within the hobby, internal changes to the mechanics of a particular model are insignificant to warrant listing these changes as a legitimate method to identify a version. Albeit, I would venture to say that there are rare exceptions to this rule; therefore, it is unnecessary for a collector to open a reel to determine a version / year manufactured based on internal components. Manufacturers generally do not waste completed parts. As research and development refines new mechanical changes to an existing reel, remaining parts for the previous production run are still utilized until inventory is depleted. Therefore, you will see various configurations of internal components such as pinions, main gears, transfer gears, etc, inside the same version reel. This is why it is imperative for collectors not to identify any version using internal components as a primary method of reel identification; it is not reliable. Parts used to build these reels were used indiscriminately during the early years. This is why you see different components in the same version. This is true for the first five versions and to a lesser degree in newer reels as advances in manufacturing progressed.  Knowing the many different internal components used is a nice addition for the advanced collector but not necessary or recommended to properly identify a reel. External features are the primary identifiers for all reel collecting, exclusively.

Vendor s’ Name for Identification

Mitchell, for the most part, used licensed vendors to sell their products. Therefore, collectors have established methods that allow a simple and distinct way to identify reels by vendor. It is important to note that collectors categorize the same version reel issued by different vendors as a “vendor-variation”; see reel versions below.  Meaning, the same version reel issued by two or more vendors, are still considered the same version just a variant predicated by vendor name.  The following method utilizing vendors for identification is based on the time sequence of distributorship / ownership of Mitchell products. Carpano & Pons (founders and owners of Mitchell products) 1937-1965 via La Canne et Peche and Mécanique et Outillage de Précision (MOP); Mitchell Corp of France, 1965-1974; Garcia Mitchell USA, 1947-1979; Arca, Balzer & Albatros, 1950-present; Garcia Outdoor Sports of Canada Ltd, 1978-1984; Browning Mitchell, 1980-1983; ABU-incentive, 1984; Mitchell Sports USA (Primary),1985-1990; Johnson World Associates (JWA) North American distribution / Mitchell Sports of France ( Primary,) 1991-2000; Pure Fishing / Mitchell of France ( Primary), 2000-2006; and Jarden Corp ( Primary ), 2006-present. The information presented above is approximate and trademarked respectively.

Packaging for Identification

Packaging is important for the collector but should not be used as a deciding factor for determining a version or what reel belongs with a certain box. Early packaging had matching serial numbers on the bottom of the box that matched the reel. This was beneficial to the collector but short-lived as serial numbering on packaging was not always consistent. Some vendors used serial numbering on packaging and some did not. The collector must also contend with the fact that reels can be easily switched into different packaging which skews accurate identification of a particular version to a matching box. Identification using packaging to determine different versions / variations should be used in conjunction with other more reliable sources for validation. As explained with vendor identification above, packaging is categorized the same way. If  you have the same reel in different packaging, then the packaging itself is a variation of that same version predicated on the different types of packaging used. Books, although limited in coverage with regards to packaging, are available that offer a well detailed guide matching packaging-to-reel for certain models.  For those who are interested, Mike DiMattio, an accomplished expert on the Model 300, published a book on the 300 Model boxes. His email to purchase a copy is: fp1634@hotmail.com. 

~ Serial numbers are normally on the bottom of the box~

Manufacturers’ Product Catalogs

An excellent source of information for reel identification and time of issue are product catalogs issued by Mitchell and other vendors.  They offer an excellent reference source to place certain model types into a production year. Catalogs, like other material, should be used as an aide, and not definitive as to what was or was not produced during that product catalog year. The rationale for this is simple: most catalogs presented what reels were going to be available for that particular year as indicated in the catalog. Sometimes that model reel was not released into circulation until a year later. In some cases the same model was issued many years prior and then relisted without changes as a carry over. Therefore, catalogs, although very informative, should be referenced along with other data to determine version and year of issue.

What Defines Reel Versions

Regarding the definition of what constitutes a version, we, as collectors, define what we collect based on the many different external features or esthetic enhancements made to a reel. It is imperative we do not limit the scope of what we collect to that of only external changes but to a whole array of identifying features used to distinguish the unique aspects of each model. Where internal changes become relevant enough to be classified as legitimate identifiers for establishing a version is seen for the first time on the very early versions of the Mitchell, ( circa 1939-1948). Mitchell made nominal external changes during this period and internal examination is one method to help validate the early years of the Mitchell. A word of caution, this is not to imply that internal components of the early models are definitive for classification. To the contrary, they present only one method for version validation.  There exist precise external characteristics that collectors have established to properly identify the first five versions sufficiently. Within the scope of what we call a version, there is a sub-catagory identified as a variation of the same version. What this means is, the same reel with different packaging / vendor labels, either inscribed / affixed, are considered a variation of the same version reel. 

Note: Most collector publications do not use the word variation to describe different vendor logos for the same reel. For simplicity, the word version is used frequently to differentiate between vendor logos. This is predicated on the fact that any difference in external features, such as decals or any other external markings / packaging was originally considered a version. As collecting progressed, Collectors have re-addressed this subject and the word variation is used in certain situations to enhance identification. 

Reference the magazine ariticle in Classic Angling, Issue 49 for additional insight for identifying the original first version and the Mitchell Collectors Value Guide 2006 for additional information.

 Date of Issuance

Determining the date of issuance of a particular reel / model is one of the more esoteric aspects of Mitchell collecting and perhaps the most daunting. Prior articles have dealt with this methodology; therefore, I will try to explain in more detail how dates were extrapolated as listed in various publications. Mitchell’s only explainable / consistent date of manufacturing was for reels produced between the years 1974-1990. Prior to that, it appears serial numbering was applied sequentially per model. Serial numbering during the period of 1974 -1990 have a numerical rhythm code that can be deciphered. Dates of manufacturing for reels made during this period have a high degree of accuracy and do provide some semblance of order. All prior years have no numerical sequencing that would help determine year/month of manufacture based on serial numbers alone. Although, on pre 1974 models, a recent study using a collective “back door approach” by evaluating hundreds of reels, elicited a “range” of serial numbers that can place certain models / versions into a time period of production in concert with other known facts.  Information can also be compiled using company publications and other extraneous documentations that can help narrow the year of issue. Serial numbers for the most part are unreliable and inconsistent outside the date range given above. Therefore, they should be matched with other sources to determine year of issue. The length of time in circulation is important but not paramount, although, duration and units produced do have importance as it pertains to value.   A full detailed article about “dating-reels”  will be presented on this site in the very near future.

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 Copyright©2010 By Dennis Roberts Ltd:  Mitchell Reel Collectors Chronicles™  All Rights reserved.