International 100, 1953, Mitchell Clone of 3rd Generation Half Bail Spinner

[foakes]

Typically, when the Japanese tackle Manufacturers would make a clone or a copy of a popular reel such as a Mitchell, Alcedo, Penn, etc. —- the quality would not be there.  Lesser quality materials, shortcuts, plastics, and more.  We all know this.

Pumped out a few reels this afternoon for clients.

To my surprise, this International 100, in dark olive drab green was in the mix.  Handle was busted from being dropped, main gear had a a fitment issue when I installed a new crank.  Needed new shims throughout, new screws that were not boogered, and a few other small things.  Pulled it apart completely, cleaned —- being careful to not hurt the OD green paint, serviced.

It is a 1953 model, only imported for (1) year directly to Ocean City.

Manufactured by Seiko of Japan.

The quality of the parts inside was actually greater than a Mitchell 3rd Gen half bail.  No plastic, heavier steel parts, even an oil port at the rear, as well as an oil port on the right side for the spool shaft.

Neat old 72 year reel.

Best, Fred

[MACflyer]

Very nice Fred, and thanks for sharing. Your write ups give me a new appreciation on how well made some reels were decades ago. Rick

[Johndixon177]

Amazing post for posterity! Cant find another forum with amazing proof.  Thanks for all you do and great find and effort!  Killer!

[oldmanjoe]

  I did not know that Ocean City had that reel in there lineup .
        I have a similar looking reel made in Japan , Winston  No 60 not quite refine as that one with bearing cap and oil port .

[Gfish]

Seiko made some good quality stuff.

[happyhooker]

Beautiful!

Frank