The 5000s series is the most popular of all reels in the Ambassadeur range as it covers
the widest spectrum of fishing. (see also 5000C / 5500 / 5500C ).
The first Ambassadeur 5000 (after Record Ambassadeur 5000) was introduced in 1958/59.
By looking only at the 5000 series of ABU reels, one can easily learn the changes that
have taken place on Ambassadeur reels over the many years - both mechanically and
cosmetically. Several variations were also being made for the 5000:
Ambassadeur 5000 (s/n 70330, unmarked)
late 1950s / early 1960s
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This reel was one if the early 5000 that was not marked
"Rocord" of "ABU". Made between the transition from
"Record" to "ABU".
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Ambassadeur 5000 (s/n 122222)
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A nice example of an early ABU Ambassadeur 5000.
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An early 5000, with Grey "A" type spool.
Later
ones have black arbors.
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Ambassadeur 5000 (black arbor
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| This is an unusual reel with a black spool and black arbor..
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| An early example of Ambassadeur 5000 with portings on tension nut as
well as handle nut. They also have a spool with grey arbor. 5 digit serial numbers. I have
seen numbers from 8xxx to 15xxx. Later ones have metallic silver arbor.
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| This is an early 5000 with "4-Screw" design that
existed from 1958/1959 till around the mid 1960s. The earliest of post Record Ambassadeur
features a spool with a gray arbor as opposed to a metallic silver arbor.
The 5000 comes with double white (pearl) handle whereas the 5000B comes with single
black counterbalanced handle
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| A nice example of Ambassadeur 5000 made in 1971. Note the change to a
black leather case.
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| One of the earliest 24K Gold plated reels made by ABU - in the
form of a "5000 De Luxe". This model was first made in 1964 and
have been made in limited numbers every year till today. It
comes in a wooden presentation box with and additional higher capacity (5000A type) spare
spool, tool + spare kit. 4 figure serial number on reel foot. 1xxx - 9xxx.
Till date, other example of the Deluxe reels were the 5500 Deluxe,
5600C Deluxe.
One of the finest example of an early 5000 De Luxe I have ever seen.
This one had serial number 4003 on the reel foot.
A
good example of a Deluxe that was well fished but cared for by their proud
owners:
 
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