My small collection of pre-300 and 300 Mitchells

[Paul9591]

As this is a show and tell, I grabbed a few of my early Mitchells the other day for a group shot (the video link below shows only the pre-300 models, no music or verbal comment, but plenty in the description).

https://youtu.be/r-p03ZqT29w?si=voNrDm_Uq0zed4QY

[Midway Tommy D]

Nice group!

[kyreels]

Very nice! Are some of the spools and reels repainted? They are in really great condition.

[David Lehmann]

I like the early pre-boomerang / knob selection reel! They are scarce!

[Biggamereels1988]

Outstanding collection! I’m looking to pick up an early Mitchell 300 to sit next to the Ocean City International 100 as it’s a direct copy.. so one day I’ll grab one. I’ll probably be competing with you to get it.

[Paul9591]

Very nice! Are some of the spools and reels repainted? They are in really great condition.

My apologies to yourself and all who replied in my thread here, I don't know how I missed them all?

Yes, thank you; three reels in the group are restored, but they were very much past their best, so it had to be done, however, they ended up way better than I thought they would (much research on paint etc. and patience in preparation was the reason I think?).

[Paul9591]

I like the early pre-boomerang / knob selection reel! They are scarce!

Hi David, yes my favourite version too.
I have two of them, one was restored.

[Paul9591]

Outstanding collection! I’m looking to pick up an early Mitchell 300 to sit next to the Ocean City International 100 as it’s a direct copy.. so one day I’ll grab one. I’ll probably be competing with you to get it.

Thank you,

Your in luck if you are in the USA, as I am a UK based member, and from what I have seen on that auction site, 'most' half bails for sale in the US seem to be going for serious money ($200-$300!); add UK import duty to that and I am definitely out.

"Buy it now" UK based reels (boomerang AR lever) are nornally in the £75 to £80 range, but they can be had for a lot less.
Different story for the round knob AR versions, which, in great condition, normally go for between £150 and £200...ish, though a really rough example went for £80 recently (couldn't afford it at the time....sigh!).

I hear all the time, how hard Mitchell half bails are to find in the US, but there seem to be quite a few up on you know where, including one or two rarer 2nd issues a while back.

Apologies for my very late reply.