Mitchell Reel to identify

[Chappie]

Hi all,
This is my first post so I hope I get it right.
I have an old French Mitchell reel that has no identifying model number.
The bale arm is unusual in that it is only short and goes halfway accross the spool.
It also appears to be for a left handed person.
Can anyone help me by identifying it.
Regards
Chappie

[Paul M]

Welcome Chappie. Thanks for your question. I am sure one of the experts in this group is hoping to see some pictures of the reel from a few angles (front, back, head on and under the foot) so they can give a positive identification.

Paul Manuel

[Midway Tommy D]

Photos would be helpful as it will be one of the earlier versions, probably pre 1953. Also, a clear photo of the serial number, including the prefix letter, if any, would help pinpoint it even closer.

[Chappie]

Hi,
I have tried to upload pictures but may have not been successful.
Please advise and/or let me know where I am going wrong.
Cheers
Chappie

[Chappie]

Hi, Can you please advise where I find the serial number.
I seem to have uploaded 1 x picture but tried to do 2 x without success.
Any suggestions ?
Cheers
C happie

[wrong99]

I think you'll find it under that masking tape that someone put under the foot.
Mark

[Paul M]

I see 2 pictures, one for each of 2 posts. After you select the pictures and "Upload All", then you need to click on the resulting image code for EACH picture. It looks like you only clicked on the code for one, different ones in each post.

Part of the collector value of a reel is the cosmetic condition. In that regard, this example has some issues.

[Midway Tommy D]

Chappie,
Your reel is a pre-300 Mitchell from about 1952/3ish. It more than likely came with a black knurled aluminum handle knob. The reel is considered a right hand reel, i.e. left hand wind. If the crank handle was on the right side of the reel it would be considered a left hand reel. A serial number should be under the tape on the foot. While only approximate, below are some general serial # guidelines:

1949/50-52 - SN Would start with A, B, or C
1953 – SN 40779 to 203519
1954 – SN 235985 to 617792
1955 – SN 624001 to 1004270
1956 – SN 1040182 to 1517887
1957 – SN 1520736 to 1883288
1958 – SN 1889513 to 2225412
1959, etc. Numbering continued to increase.
In 1971 they began using the alpha prefix again starting with A and continuing through T, changing every year through 1988/9 and T.

[Chappie]

Hi,
Many thanks for all your help and information.
I really appreciate it.
Regrettably I cannot find a number on the foot so assume
it is 1952/53 ish ???
I realise it is a bit rough so may try and rejuvinate it somewhat.
Many Thanks once again.
Kind Regards
Grant (Chappie)