9th Version Extremely Rare Near Mint Garcia Mitchell 300 Box Manuals France

Description

We are liquidating a collection of Mitchell reels (please see our other Mitchell listings), this reel is one of two 9th version Garcia Mitchell 300s that are part of the collection! This particular reel is dated to 1974. Some of the distinguishing factors of the 9th version is the handle, the clear back up spool case, the "Made in France" logo and its position as well as the style of the engraving. Please see more info in main description from the Mitchell Museum Website. Condition is near perfect, this reel is truly in fantastic shape. Please see our high resolution photos, this is truly a 9.5/10. Serial number is D 130105 (D dates 1974). Price includes shipping, we will package this reel with extreme care.
This newly discovered 9th version was found by Ted Lanham in June 2011! The main determining factor of this being another version was the new style housing found on most classic egg-shaped reels being made after Garcia (USA) closing in 1978. What many people forget is the other two Garcia distributors were still in full operation in Canada and the United Kingdom. Even though I state in the 8th version: "This was the last old style “300” series made and apparently only distributed with Garcia’s name engraved", I'll now state: "This 9th version was the last "300" series made with Garcia's name engraved with the new style housing or any other." Mitchell stopped engraving all reels and began placing plastic badges on all models in the late 1970s.
Ted's reel with serial number H032303 was made in 1978 at the same time the Garcia Mitchell 300A Red Band with the old style housing and the Mitchell 300A Silver Band . What is even more interesting on this reel is the box, known to be rare but this is the only one found to date with the two-piece blue insert. The "second" piece was made to hold the spare spool as you can see. Please note the old style gearing that was basically the same from 1939 to this one, the new style limited production handle, the clear spare spool container and the "different looking" engraving that has been found on other models.