[lureofthereel]

Hello. Let me know if you can tell me anything about this reel or direct me to any good information on it. Looks like a pretty well built reel. Anyone have a good idea of its value?

The model is "Ambassadeur 178" and there is an ABU also on the bridge between the two sides of the reel, leading me to believe it's an Abu garcia model. Searching the web a little bit I've found evidence of Diplomat or Cardinal models similar to this but not Ambassadeur 178 fly reels. Any info appreciated. Thanks very much.

[Joe D]

Vintage tackle is pretty cool, especially reels. I have a small collection of fly reels and baitcasters... anyway, Mike's Reel Repair has some good diagrams/schematics for many old and current reels on their website. Your reel is here: http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/schem...deur%20178.pdf

The Ambassadeur 178 was most likely made in the mid 1950's to mid 1960's when the company was marketing their other types of reel under that name.

The company was originally a watch maker until some time in the early fifties when they went into the reel business. Your reel was most likely made in Sweden, where the company is located. Your reel would probably sell in the $10 to $50 range on any of the auction sites, like eBay, that have a vintage tackle section. The higher price would go to a reel that was pristine and still in the original box. Your best bet to determine its value is too lurk around on the auction sites and try to find one and then see what they're going for.

[Rudolf]

I believe these were made more like in the late 70's and 80's. Remember seeing them years ago in the stores.

[burk48237]

I owned one in the late 70's or early 80's (bought new). They were a decent quality reel, but the drag was just OK. They were still made in Sweden so they have a bit of a following in the collectors market. Goggle "Fiberglass Fly rod forum", the guys over there are into collecting clone lightweight reels like the old Heddons and US made Medalists. The Japanese and US made reels of that era are certainly better made then many of the sub 30$ Chinese reels of today.