CAPSTAN Australian Vintage Fishing Reels, Capstan Thread-line Spinning reel and Capstan overhead Multiplying revolving Drum fishing reel Information, Reference & history, ReeLpedia® by Bernie Ladd, 2013.

Frank Pataky founded Capstan Plastic Mouldings, an engineering company formerly situated at 50 Queen Street Petersham in New South Wales. Frank, a qualified toolmaker, who migrated to Australia from Hungry in 1929, obtained a patent approval in 1938 for a Nottingham reel. This particular patent featured the reel support foot bracket, moulded within the Bakelite back. Capstan Plastic Mouldings produced 20 different sizes and was one of the last manufacturers involved in the production of bakelite Nottingham fishing reels.

From the year 1950, the company also embarked on mass-production of their very own Capstan 69. It is prudent to mention that this particular design is an Australian look-a-like of the American Penn Delmar reel. Capstan 69 came in six different models.

In the late 1950s, Capstan Plastic Mouldings again expanded their reel production with the introduction of the Capstan Whirlaway 77, a look like of the German Dam Quick. The Capstan Whirlaway featured a similar fish logo on its body. Surprisingly there is no evidence of any dissatisfaction on the part of the Dam Quick makers. There are two versions of Capstan Whirlaway 77 the Standard 3.2:1; and the Fast Retrieve 4.5:1 high-speed model. B Ladd,2013.

CAPSTAN 77 Whirlaway Thread-line Spinning reel. Ambidextrous operation; Stainless steel bail arm; 3.2:1 gear ratio; anti-reverse and check lever; steel sliding main shaft; ball bearing races; aluminum alloy folding handle; torpedo handle-knob; bronze main gear; handle shaft-bronze bearing; red plastic drag knob; die-cast body, black enamel finish C.1958. Very rare to find in mint condition complete with two spool sizes, early original box and paperwork.  (Cn 1))