Hello CL and Mates,
Great to see you back in the MRM and contributing your vast knowledge of all Mitchells CL. I completely agree that your particular version of CAP with the very first CAP planamatic gearing is likely the rarest of all of the CAPs. I'm of the opinion that contrary to the common labeling of this reel being a 3rd Version CAP, I think it was actually the 4th version manufactured by Carpano et Pons for La Canne a Peche. More interestingly there were 3 separate variations of this 4th version reel which I believe was developed during WW II and manufactured soon after or while France manufacturing started to return to normal. The fist 2 variations were level wind gearing and the 3rd Variation introduced the world to planamatic gearing. I think all three variations evolved from 1946 to 1949 but regardless, I think the 1st variation became available in around 1946. Here is a 1st Variation of the 4th Version from my collection.
- CAP w No AR.jpg (259.36 KiB) Viewed 3449 times
This is a very hard to find CAP. It was a significant change from the 3rd Version as it had a slightly raised but flat faceplate vice the high domed faceplate of the earlier version. All other characteristics are similar but it was a lighter reel from the 3rd Version. There was no anti reverse at this point. I also only learned of this variation through CL - and then it took me several years to actually find one!
The 2nd Variation of the 4th Version introduced the anti-reverse to the CAP reel and this Variation/Version is the most common.
- CAP w AR-Box.jpg (288.86 KiB) Viewed 3449 times
Here are both 1st and 2nd Variations.
- 4th Version 2nd Release 1946.jpg (159.13 KiB) Viewed 3449 times
Here is a copy of the U.S. Patent (it's actually 4 pages) for CL's Planamatic CAP. It follows the French patent filed by about three weeks (French: Dec 19, 52 and U.S.: Jan 5, 53).
- CAP Planamatic Patent.jpg (203.93 KiB) Viewed 3449 times
I have researched and searched for the 3rd Variation of the 4th Version CAP as CL has so graciously shared with us - Actually CL shared this reels existence with me several years ago and I've still not seen another one or documentation outside of the patent material. I believe that this reel is a prototype of a VERY small run of the original planamatic CAPs. Of note, the follow on CAPs were all planamatic gearing until the advent of the Mitchell 314 when the CAP 304 returned to level wind gearing and the CAP 314 was planamatic gearing until the end of the runs for both of these reels in the mid 1970's. I hope you find this post builds on CL's post and informative. The CAP's/304/314/340 are my passion in my Mitchell collection and as always, comments and questions are always welcome.
Kind Regards,
Chris
