Mitchell 300 Series Half Bail 70th Anniversary Reel Bidding has ended

"The Mitchell"
1939 - 1989

All knowledgeable Mitchell Collectors and Historians I've ever talked to have told me that they agree on my study of the first version 300 series called "The Mitchell" where I state it was first made in the late thirties. Since we really don't know for a fact the exact year and to be safe, 1939 is acceptable. They also know I have overwhelming factual and a LOT of circumstantial evidence to prove this.

Know that all records from the thirties to the beginning of mass production in 1945/46 has never been found. Also know that some believe and publish 1946 is when the first version was made knowing that in 1946/47 the third version was being sold! Why the history lesson? I don't know, maybe it's because I just realized nobody really cares!

I did and being a dreamer, I thought it would be nice to celebrate the 70th anniversary. In my own enthusiasm, I truly believed a very special 70th Anniversary reel should be made to celebrate. Due to self funding and after a lot of junk tries, we ended up with three that were somewhat acceptable.

Here's one of three made and paid for. This was my original Mitchell 2nd Version marked #003. Two others were made and being kept with plans for a total of 10-2nd versions and 90-3rd versions in total. Our plan was to at least get back what it costs us, it was not a money making scheme. It's also highly marked not to be EVER be confused as an original. The paint is too shiny, the gold plating is fair. The black glare on the bail wire is from the black shine.

The box is hand-crafted walnut, the final result from an "artist" in Texas. (more...)

Ex Heddon 700 3-hook Muskollonge minnow Bidding has ended

For sale is an excellent Heddon 700 Musky minnow in Sienna Crackleback. This 3-hook sway-bellied beauty has excellent glass eyes and hardware. The paint on this big lure is absolutely stunning and has an unusual blended pink strip where the yellow and sienna come together. Also, the gill marks are bright and bold. The bellyweights are, for the most part, intact with cracking around them. The front one has some chipping as seen in the photos. I have a modest reserve on this auction to help protect my investment. This is a very nice lure that is seldom seen for sale in this condition and I am very sure that the new owner will be very pleased with this remarkable work of art. I accept PayPal, USPS money-orders, cashier checks, and personal checks. Personal checks will have to clear before shipping. Sold only in the United States and Canada. United States items are shipped USPS priority with delivery confirmation. Insurance is optional but, is highly recommended. I can not be responsible for items if they are lost or damaged during shipping. Thanks very much for looking and make sure to contact me with any questions. (more...)

Fin Nor No. 5 the rarest Fin Nor available Bidding has ended

The photos show the No 5 in context. Second photo is with the Tibor Gulfstream. Third is with the Gulfstream, a Pate Marlin, and a Lamson. Last one show the line capacity compared to a No 4 Fin Nor and a Gulfstream.

YOu gotta nother chance

This is it. The stocks are sinking and the wife says, "Don't you have a couple really valuable reels you can sell?" And she remembers the Fin Nor No.5 I have stashed away. It is one of only 80 made -- one of 80 Fin Nor # 5s-- in the last days of the South Florida operation. Tom Rech, my old friend, had it made when he was among the last Fin Nor sales and repair shops in the world. I bought it from him along with the custom 18 weight rod that was built for the reel. It is the godzilla of fly reels, filled with #18 line. He hoped to catch a Marlin on it and so did I. But neither of us made it before the time came to offer this treasure for sale. I hate to do this. But life goes on and someone else on the planet will soon own the finest, largest, most incredible reel ever built for big game fishing. I have the custom 18 wt rod to match and will offer it to the seller for $200 or not.
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