Acquired another rare & unusual early version of the Mitchell (pre-302) SaltWater spinning reel. It is my 3rd of what I refer to as smooth bail arm versions. Dennis Roberts passes over this unique chapter in my favorite reel's history, he offers a photo that barely shows the unique smooth bail arm & makes no mention of it. I'd bought the reel on the basis of a photo that plainly showed it had the oldest style handle I'm aware of for these reels, a part I wanted for my half bail SaltWater. The handle was in very good condition for being 50+ years old. The bail arm did not show in this photo either, the seller did not respond, so I took the gamble & it paided off. Another smooth bail arm Mitchell for my collection!
This reel paid double dividends as it also has the unique early bail assembly that Robert's refers to, next to a photo that clearly does not have the older style bail! This bail has a different shape, diameter, lacks the familiar removable cone & has a carbide line guide! Upon further investigation I found a unique drag assembly too, make this a triple! Most of the internal drag parts are different, but it is the adjustment knob that threw me. Looks like the familiar plastic part, then I fumbled it & discovered it was aluminum by ear! Was a great day in Mitchell collecting & restoring.
There were some negatives. There was no doubt an aluminum antireverse originally, the plastic replacement was installed wrong. Worse, the foot is filed crudely at 1 end, its very likely that it had been one of the rare extra long feet. Can't win them all.
Still looking for collectors who share interest in these classic Mitchell SaltWater reels. Still hope to find a decent replacement half bail, a copy of the early parts drawing, & misc. bits. Would not mind acquiring a couple more reels in the half bail, smooth bail arm era either.
Have 2 examples of another odd variant Roberts does not mention, identified by the pair of brass pins that limit the sweep of the anti-reverse. Earlier versions have nothing external to limit, later versions have raised areas & posts as part of the head plate's casting. The brass pin variant has the old flat head plate & is drilled for 2 pressed pins.
I know, more than you wanted to hear about old Mitchell SaltWater reels.
