Mitchell Reel Collectors International

Glossary for the Mitchell Collector

- M -

"M" prefix - referring to Manufrance; not Mitchell. Used on a 340 model. See "Manufrance" below.
Manufrance/ St. Etienne - A mail order company in France that sold a variety of goods including firearms and fishing tackle through their catalogue. Mitchell produced one model -mechanically identical to the 340- painted olive green. We know of a M34 engraved "Balzer" and another engraved "Arca" that were ordered from Manufrance with their logo. A M34 engraved "Albatros" might therefore have existed.
Manual Pickup (MP) - In the US manual pickup system (MP) is utilised in lieu of a full bail system on select reels produced by Mitchell. In Europe, the MP is called a "P.U.M." (See also under "P.U.M."). There were approximately three variations of the internal workings of the MP wheel over the years. The most desirable of the three was the version having ball bearings inside the wheel, and screw at the rear end to adjust the race that secured the bearings.
Marignier - City in southern France (near Cluses) where the Mitchell Company is located since they left Cluses till now.
"Match" - was the only marking on two Mitchell engraved reels specially designed for competition coarse fishing. Released in the U.K. See also "L".
"Match" on 440 and 840 models - Match grade reels were also applicable to the 440 and 840 series of reels. These models incorporated auto-bail systems, a very shallow spool and were fine-tuned for competitive casting. The Match reels were sold to the public and inscribed on the top of the reel face with Match (in script). All the major vendors sold them but were limited to very low quantities by each vendor. Usually only a few thousand pieces were manufactured.
"Match" on R.D.- and later models - Stands for a shallow spool and a high retrieve ratio.
"Mer-Saumon" - The "Salt Water" Mitchell 302-model was sold in France under this name in the early fifties.
"Mer-Saumon/Mi-Lourd" - This decal was only found on the first 306 model and indicated the reel was built for sea- and salmon fishing. See also "Intermediate".
Milbro - Importer and distributor of Mitchell articles for the United Kingdom.