Value of Mitchell Manual Pickups?

[EBHarvey]

I recently found 3 Mitchells - a huge one, a 704-sized one, and a smaller one - all with manual pickup. They're in great shape, just a few scratches, clean, insides really good, etc. The thing is, I'm left-handed so I can't use them unless I learn to do everything backwards, so I'm trying to get an idea if they're worth selling to help finance some more 705 purchases, or holding on to.

 

Everything I saw on eBay were bailed, so I didn't want to base anything on them since, if Mitchells are anything like Penns, there might be a huge difference in the going rates for manual pickups vs. bailed models. I can check the model numbers later if need be, but could anyone give me a general idea of what these things might be worth?

[Ditch Jigger]

I would say the only one that would be worth more than $100 is the huge one--and then, only if it's a skirted spool 498. You might get close to $100 if it's a cupped spool 388/488. Those were the biggest spinning reels Mitchell made.

 

The 704 sized one is likely a 302. Even with manual pick-ups, they're not all that hard to find on the used market. I'd say $80 tops.

 

The smaller one is probably a 306. Again, $60-$80.

 

"Made in Korea" instead of "Made in France" on the reel foot will also devalue the reel

[EBHarvey]

Thanks Ditch - I'll check the numbers and see if I can get some pics up. They seem to be built like tanks and I'd throw them right into the rotation if I could reel with my left hand...

[Tom M]

So I take it I'll see you at the beach with the reel upside down!!

 

I've got a 498 and it is indeed a tank

 

Tom M