Hello,
Several years back I came across 4 Abu Garcia reels at a garage sale. They are used but in good condition. All 4 are old. 3 have leather hard cases that the reel fits in, with a bottle of oil and spare parts. One still has the box it came in (not in great shape) with the case, oil and parts. I did notice the serial on the box matched the one on the reel. I guess I was really wondering what I have here. Is this stuff I should put behind glass or are they pretty common reels. Here is the info on them, any input on age or interesting facts about them is welcome.

Abu Ambassadeur 5000B (red) in box (box isnt great) with all manuals warranty card case etc. Serial# 732452 (on foot and box) this reel has a round button slide switch by the clicker knob, the crank handle has one handle grip with the other side being a silver button (counter weight looking) with a Garcia "g" in the middle.

Abu Ambassadeur No. 5000 (red) has leather type case with oil and parts. No slide clicker button but has the same clicker knob with numbers. Serial # 164188 This reel has a regular crank handle with two grip rollers. Also have same reel, case, etc. Serial 592068.

Ambassadeur 5000C (black) clicker knob (no sliding button switch) double grip style crank handle. Serial 26950

I'm just trying to find out more about these reels. If they are a good place to start a collection, maybe some age info or at least where to look that up. They are nice reels and I would like to know more about them. Thanks

Justin

On the numbers beginning with 1 check the sideplate on the palm side and see if it is a four screw or three screws and a stud. Pre 70's will have four screws by and large.

In most cases, these number are not serialized or unique to each reel except for some limited edition models. These numbers usually indicate the production code which can mean a different design, manufacturing process or material change. Associated with these numbers will be the year in which this code was implemented. (For example, 741120 would be different from 750030). There is no consistency in the way ABU number the reel foot but with a little experience combing servral other factors like design etc.. one can usually tell the approximate age. A useful rule is:

4 figure numbers Found in 5000 De Luxes and 5000C Deluxes spanning early 1960s to 1970s Smooth foot

5 figure numbers Sometimes found in mid 50s record ambassadeurs and very early Ambassadeur 5000. Also found in reels made in the late 60s / early 70s especially the 5000C. Smooth foot

6 figure numbers Late 1950s to 1960s, numbers running from 1xxxxxx to 9xxxxxx. Found in early Ambassadeur 5000 and 6000 (ribbed sideplates) Smooth foot

6 figure numbers Late 60s / early 70s. Middle two digits indicating year. ie xx08xx - 1968 Smooth foot

1970s 6 figure numbers, first 2 or middle 2 numbers as read ie 71xxxx or xx71xx - 1971 Checkered foot

1980s Same as 70s but usually first 2 digits ie 82xxxx - 1982 Checkered foot

Late 80s / early 90s 3 pair of numbers separated by "-" Checkered foot

Late 90s 6 figures, usually the last digit. i.e. 060006 or 040006 refers to a reel made in 1996 Checkered foot