Hi Bill,
Thanks for this additional insight about non-US part numbers. I never thought of that!
Regards from California,
Tim

Update: I was able to get this working, using the new 81020 pick-up trip lever, by adjusting the shims that space out the baffle plate.
Thanks again!
Tim

Dear Bill, I got the #20 from this 1951-1955 part diagram that you posted on 2 August 2021. Then I see that it's called a #42 in the 1956 diagram you attached below. I believe that either I recieved a part labeled "81020" that is incorrectly labeled, or that this is a tolerance issue betwe...

Hi folks, I have a 1954 Mitchell 300, on which the pick-up trip lever recently broke. I got an 81020 replacement trip lever, and discovered that it’s from a newer version of the reel and not compatible. The correct trip lever is identified as #20 on old part diagrams (thanks for posting, Bill). Does...

thanks again Bill, will take your advice. The bail in particular is rougher than it probaby looks in the picture. This website is a terrific resource!
Tim

Hi Kim, Bill, It looks like the number stamped on the large casting is 438770. The “4” is pretty hard to discern, but I think that’s it. Does that make it a 1954, according to the article on your site? My reel as a kid was a 300, and I came into this one by accident when I bought a clutch of fishing...

Hi, Can anyone identify the date this 300 reel was built? On the foot of the main casting, I think there is a single number, but it id very obscured; could be a 5 or 6. I'm assuming it's a model 300 - only "Mitchell" is engraved, and one casting has "Made in France" in relief. Th...