I was going through some of my Father-in-Law's old fishing equipment and came across an ABU Ambassadeur 5000 Sweedish made reel with the #348960 stamped on the bottom. It was mounted on a Heddon Pal #6308 Mark IV 6' rod. Other than the eyes needing remounting, it appears to be in good shape. Is there a way to determine the age and usefulness of this rig? Sorry to say that he passed away 9 years ago so asking him is not possible.

Couple of tries...

http://www.oldfloridalures.com/fribb.htm

http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=7284

Maybe it's a 1999. Does it have one knob on one side or a knob on each side? If it's only got the one knob, then it's a 1999 I think.

Early 1980s they went from a knob on each side to one knob to adjust spool tension.

Can't say about the rod, but double check the serial number on the reel, it don't seem right.

I agree I own several ol Ambassaduers.

After a bit more digging, I found the original manual dated 1962. On the left side is the mechanical break. It also has a centrifugal brake and star drag. It is red in color with 4 screw holding the left side and 2 on the right. Double checking the stamped number again is 348960. It also has a service kit included in the case.

I was surprised at the spare parts price list, most expensive part was the complete frame for $7.70! It also came with a leather case and a "Service Guaranteed for Life". The card reads "Your Garcia Ambassadeur reel is guaranteed to be mechanically perfect. We will replace any part of this reel that fails to operate properly because of defective parts or workmanship. In addition, if this reel should ever need service through normal use and wear, we will put it proper working condition for $1.50 - to cover cost of handling, postage, and insurance...plus actual listed cost of any necessary parts. This guarantee is void if reel has been subjected to abuse or willful damage."

I haven't seen a warranty like that, well anywhere. Wonder if they are still in Teaneck, NJ?

Two additional reels were found. One is an old Western Auto V 7345 Red River casting reel and the other is a Heddon Dowagiac P51 casting reel. No dated info on those at all. From what I can glean on the net, the P51 was only in Heddon's 1952 catalog.

I contacted Fred of oldfloridalures/fribb and his reply was "Hi Steve, the number you gave me is a serial number and not a lot number. I have a shipping record for #375551 being made in 1964. No specific month was given but it's 26591 units later than yours. This tells me that your Ambassadeur 5000 is no later than a 1964 model. Without knowing the month made for the other one, it is possible your reel could be a late 1963 model too. You could certainly fish it as the reels built from the 1950s throughout the 1970s are virtually bullet proof. A little cleaning and oil and it should work perfectly.

The other two reels, I have no expertise with. Sorry I couldn't help you with these. Thanks for visiting my site and if I can help further, just give me a shout.

Regards, Fred"

So that puts that reel question to bed! Thanks guys.

Great stuff.

O.K.--what can you tell me about serial #232731 on an Ambassadeur 5000--whuch appears to be basically unused in it's leather case owners manual and still has it's "oil' in a loop on the side...yes, it works...what year was it made?

O.K.--what can you tell me about serial #232731 on an Ambassadeur 5000--whuch appears to be basically unused in it's leather case owners manual and still has it's "oil' in a loop on the side...yes, it works...what year was it made?

I believe you will have to contact "Fred" directly for that answer.

I have 2 5000's vintage 70 & 71 I still use for swimbaiting. They are on Shimano Crucial rods with 20# line on them. I use them regularly and they are good reels. I have Curado 300's I bought for swinbaiting but for some reason I like the 5000's better. Keep it and fish with it, I think you will be well pleased.

O.K.--what can you tell me about serial #232731 on an Ambassadeur 5000--whuch appears to be basically unused in it's leather case owners manual and still has it's "oil' in a loop on the side...yes, it works...what year was it made?

Call Freddy.