Mitchel reel dating.

[tunageo]

This reel is marked with a date of 08 which is the month August, my information is that the factory was closed in August so no reels should have this number, which is visible in the photo. Does this numbering make this reel unique? Your expertise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

George

[tunageo]

[Midway Tommy D]

Not sure where you got information that the last digit(s) of the serial number on Mitchell reels represent the month made? Also, I've never seen white painted serial numbers on the bottom a Mitchell reel. Photos from all angles would be nice to help verify a general time frame of when your reel was made. A valid original serial number should be stamped/etched into the bottom of the foot or on the body. A with 5 numbers following should date it around 1950. Mitchell had varying number systems but they numbered reels in sequence, and month of manufacture was not part of their numbering system that I am aware of.

[spadej1]

I agree. While there is some debate about the Mitchell reel serial numbers and dates of manufacture, it is generally accepted that the earlier serial numbers were sequential. Some of the later numbers(1970s-1980s) may represent years/months/production lines in the numbering depending on which theory you follow. On another note, it is hard to tell from the picture but I believe the serial number is struck pretty deep in the metal which makes it appear painted. I have another early "A" series reel, with a similar very clear and deep struck serial number

[john elder]

or perhaps paint or white-out has been added to make it show better?

[tunageo]

Thanks for the response, this is my first post as a new member, I am having trouble including photos of the reel showing the stamped number,the white coloring is corroded Aluminum.

[Brian F.]

Looks like you're doing pretty good with the photos! Nice reel

[Midway Tommy D]

Your reel is in nice condition. The corrosion aspect clarifies why the serial number looks white. The last two numbers do not mean the month made on Mitchell reels. It is from the '49-'51 time frame. That era half bail originally came with a ribbed aluminum handle knob. Chances are someone switched the knob or the entire handle since it has the plastic type now. The spring activated handle flip is correct, though.