FIRST VERSION.
PARTS
PARTS
FIRST VERSION.
THE 408 CUTAWAY
α.2.2 // 856042.
DATATION : Mid 1969.
OBSERVATION :
This cutaway model have a serial number. Many are known to have none.
However some indications claim for the authenticity of this reel.
- The hasn't been 100% testified. It probably comes from a French salesman old stock.
- Two identical versions of this model are known to exist and comes from the same stock. They wear serial numbers that almost follow each other. (856042 & 856044).
- It is impossible for this reel to have been cut away from a standard Mitchell 408 midnight-blue. The housing type and the serial number actually don't match in term of standard factory production.
The housing used on that reel is a second housing type (Large "France" inscription on the foot, the edges of the external boss-frame around the rivet which secure the anti-reverse trigger spring are squared, the Drive Gear tube is plain).
This second housing type has been modified no later than early 1967.
It is basically a non-sens to have such a late serial (second half of 1969) standing on such an early housing type (1966).
We could assume that an older version of the housing has been used and marked with the aim of making a cutaway.
One explanation might be that it was easier to mill a former housing type 2 than an actual type 3.
On a type2, the interior of the Housing handle arm was made out of brass. It was changed into steel on type 3.