Mitchell 1090 Big Game Reel

[theswimmer]

Hey Fred that service manual has my 4470 spinner on the cover.
Still one of the Great Unknowns in the world of Mitchell.
I bought mine new in 1976 , the year I graduated high school and have been using and abusing it surf fishing ever since.
Just about 98% metal but it weighs about what one of our beloved Dam Quick Supers weighs!
I lucked into 2 spare spools , NOS, on this very site last year.....

Best ,
Jonathan

[foakes]

Yeah, JON --

Those are really good reels -- we need to remember that most quality brands from the 70s & 80s, were quality reels.

That was the "Golden Age of Spinners" -- when quality still meant something -- and just prior to the majority of quality world-wide makers selling out or running off to Asia.

I am down to 4 of those 4470 spools, NIB -- if you need any others.

Mike --

I am getting ready for a little garage sale this Saturday, in Fresno. 

During my prep, I ran across a new CL listing up in Modesto, CA -- for a Gladiator 50 pound reel from Rossetti.

Guy is asking $800 -- he seems to have a handle on some of the history.

He is claiming they sold for $5000 new -- That seems a little high to me -- but since I have no way to verify it, who knows?  That is the third time I have heard a number like that in my cursory amateur research, the last couple of days.

Best,

Fred

[theswimmer]

Mr Oaks,
If you are having a "little" yard sale I want to stop by on my way to work. I have to work 6 days a week until our owner returns from overseas.
You could bring that narrow Squidder for me and I will bring cash!

I knew you would have some parts for my beloved 4470

Best,
JT

[foakes]

Sure, Jon --

It is yours...I will bring it down with me.

Going to post some pics later today to add to the CL posting -- link below

And I will send you the address -- runs from 7:00 to 2:00, this Saturday.

Best,

Fred

http://fresno.craigslist.org/spo/5070802141.html


FISHING TACKLE GARAGE SALE

WHY SPEND TOO MUCH?

(1) DAY ONLY -- Saturday, June 13

OVER 300 HIGH QUALITY REELS
ONLY THE BEST -- NO JUNK -- MICROLITES TO HD SALT

PENN, MITCHELL, GARCIA, ABU, NEWELL, SHIMANO,
D.A.M. QUICK, DAIWA & MORE...

REELS INCLUDE OCEAN, OFFSHORE, SURF, PIER
FRESHWATER FOR LAKES, TROLLING, STREAM & RIVER
FLY FISHING GEAR

CONVENTIONAL, SPINNING, FLY, BAITCASTERS

LOTS OF RODS
TACKLE BOXES
LURES

Rods starting at $10 -- Reels starting at $10
PLENTY OF GEAR FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
KIDS GEAR STARTING AT $5
DAD'S GEAR ABOUT HALF PRICE FROM NEW
Good Discounts for Multiple Purchases

[theswimmer]

I'll be there.
  Best,

JT

[Penn Chronology]

Mike --

I am getting ready for a little garage sale this Saturday, in Fresno.  

During my prep, I ran across a new CL listing up in Modesto, CA -- for a Gladiator 50 pound reel from Rossetti.

Guy is asking $800 -- he seems to have a handle on some of the history.

He is claiming they sold for $5000 new -- That seems a little high to me -- but since I have no way to verify it, who knows?  That is the third time I have heard a number like that in my cursory amateur research, the last couple of days.

Best,

Fred

Fred,

If I spent $5000 back when these reels were originally made, at the end of the deal I would have to have a car, not a fishing reel. I have seen that $5000 price tag mentioned before and figured it was a misprint. Two years ago I sold a brand new Everol 14/O-130 pound class gold reel for $500. A 50 pound class reel does not equate to the kind of money we are talking about here. Maybe it is me, but I feel sensibility has left the building.

[foakes]

Agree, 110%, Mike --

Not even close to reality.

IMO.

Best,

Fred

[Robert Janssen]

Yup. I have been in touch with the Gladiator company, owners and collectors many times over the years, and find it highly doubtful that anything of theirs sold for 5000 bux anytime anywhere.

.

[Penn Chronology]

Good to hear from you Dr. Rob. Hope all is well with you and yours.

Mike C.

[newfuturevintage]

Going to post some pics later today to add to the CL posting --

And I will send you the address -- runs from 7:00 to 2:00, this Saturday.

I'd be sorely tempted to make the roadtrip if I didn't already have a work obligation.  Whoa.

[Alto Mare]

You're the man Mike, always keeping it interesting .
Thanks!
Sal

[OldSchool]

It is unlikely that the reel SOLD for $5000 at the time of production and believe it was a reel worth an equivalent of $5000 in today's money at that time whatever that equated to. At the time in its day it seems plausible that it would be expensive and it would be an international purchase that possibly attracted tarriffs on imports back in the day ?

[UKChris]

What a fascinating thread. It reminded me that I once saw adverts for the Mitchell big game series in the UK back when they were on the market but there were few takers. I need saw one in the flesh.

I guess most were buying Penn Senators and a very few were buying the International series in the 1960s and early 70s.

Somewhere I have one of the old leaflets for the Gladiator series and I know think I once had a leaflet for those Mitchell reels too, but no longer. I wonder where it went? According to my wife, I never throw anything away

One of the "Osprey Angler' series of books - the one on shark fishing - has a picture of a lady using one of the Mitchell reels - I think it was the 9/0. That book I still have.

But I had never seen or heard of the Mitchell President.

[redsetta]

Great thread lads - thanks for all the insight!

[OldSchool]

But I had never seen or heard of the Mitchell President.

The legend continues....