Mitchell question
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Reelhimin
Mitchell question
I got a call from a guy who says he has a Mitchell 350. I know nothing about Mitchell reels. Is this a common one? He seemed to think it was a rare model. It is in average condition. Any help with scarcity and a value range would be appreciated. Thanks, Gary. P S I imagine the Mitchells have been covered in an article in the Reel News but I am too old and lazy to look through all of them.
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piscesman
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Gary,
The 350 was the first high speed retrieve for Mitchell. Condition is everything. They are somewhat rare but it depends on date of manufacture and where... If it has "rapid" written on it SUPER RARE! Made in US or Europe? Big difference in value. Box or original paperwork, value goes up. Most have been quite used so aren't worth much except for fishing. Hope this helps, good luck.
Kim
The 350 was the first high speed retrieve for Mitchell. Condition is everything. They are somewhat rare but it depends on date of manufacture and where... If it has "rapid" written on it SUPER RARE! Made in US or Europe? Big difference in value. Box or original paperwork, value goes up. Most have been quite used so aren't worth much except for fishing. Hope this helps, good luck.
Kim
Mitchell 350
Actually the Mitchell 'Rapid' was the 1st high speed they made, appearing in '56, primarily in Europe. Essentially the same reel was marketed in the US by Garcia in '57 as the 350. The 'Rapid' might have persisted in France awhile longer. The 350 continued little changed for at least 10 years, when it was replaced by the blue 400. Early 350 reels have the 5/1 ratio engraved, later ones don't, but came w/high speed chrome handles. All Mitchells of this era were made in France, Garcia was just the US distributor. To my knowledge no Mitchell was made in the US. The several different European distributors sold what have become highly collectible variants. The exact date a Mitchell was made is problematic unless it has features unique to a known introduction year, serial numbers are not conclusive.
In average (used fishable) condition it might command $30 on a good day & often go for less. Dennis Robert's Mitchell bible has some errors on this model.
In average (used fishable) condition it might command $30 on a good day & often go for less. Dennis Robert's Mitchell bible has some errors on this model.