Help identifying marks on spools

[Reeltyme]

I found these 2 marks located on Mitchell spools. One of the marks is on a version 2 or 3, not sure of the version, and one was found on a group of spools that came in from a separate purchase. They appear to be Roman numerals but I'm not sure. Could they be identifying marks of the craftsman that worked on the spool? Any help would be appreciated.
Randy McConnell
Reeltyme

[foakes]

I likely have 700-800 Mitchell spools.

When a spool is loaded with line —- one cannot tell if it is a deep or shallow spool capacity.

At one time, Mitchell used these symbols to ID the deep or shallow spools.  This would be handy for pulling a freshly loaded spool out of the tackle box to snap on a reel.


Just look at the symbol from the side —- and you will quickly see how it reads.  It is actually a side view of a spool.  You show both versions in your pics.

Best, Fred

[Reeltyme]

Makes perfect sense. Thanks Fred.

[Gfish]

Yeah. Those look like the oldies with the aluminum drag knob, metal click gear and spindle base.

[happyhooker]

That's good to know.

Frank

[alantani]

wow, never would have guessed!