Record and ABU Accessories
THE HUGE VARIETY 
My primary interest is in what was actually provided with the reel when
first sold. This may be due to my practical approach, like actually getting
down to using the reels. Tool and spools so to speak! I have to admit
though, what my accessories research has uncovered is a plethora of common
publicity items as well as some very rare and one -off items presented to
long time ABU employees after many years of diligent service.
For many however who have deeper pockets, I realize that they think a
reel is not truly collectable item unless it is complete as sold and is in
mint, unused condition.
This means for them, an awareness of the different packaging materials,
such a whether the reel was sold in various types of box, liners be they
styrofoam, cloth or leather pouches and tools/spare parts for maintenence,
is important. My knowledge is rudimentary but growing and again I refer you to
Daniel Skupien's Vintage Fishing Reels of Sweden. I have one pair of reels in a
teak presentation case and one that came in a leather bag inside the
cardboard box that is normal for all my other reels.
My collection is based on filling gaps
in all of the long history of ABU, so I don't really care if the item
collected is MIB or alone, forlorn and neglected. If I don't have it, it has
a place in my display!
Those special items considered most
valuable to me are those that have been acquired either by purchase or
gifted from friends where a long family history can be attributed. I
feel a custodian of these items and my duty is to display them for others
around the world to see and who would otherwise not enjoy them.
Len Borgstom as given me so many items
documented throughout this website and the most recent is especially
important as I will wear it and I know this embroidered Gold with Laurels
Record Fisken necktie is a very rare piece of ABU nostalgia. If anyone has
any set of appropriately matching ABU cufflinks such as those depicting
Ambassadeur reels, ABU text, ABU trout etc and wished to sell them , I would
be very happy to purchase them.
Many excellent collections of ABU
are to be found in Japan. The previously shared information and images
have been removed at the request of the owner who is producing a book .
These
recently acquired spare parts originally came in quality wooden boxes with
metal hinges
Casting
Abumatic
and then
Plastic boxes
followed
by cardboard boxes
In the
sixties one could even post a reel in to be serviced in the UK and it would
be returned safely in an ABU Service box.
The
ultimate Service from ABU and/or some of their agents is the swap reel
program with the Abumatics
See bottom
of this Abumatic
page
A much
searched-for and soon to be treasured, set of different clear salesman
sample sideplates for Cardinal 40 and Cardinal 44 (and a gunmetal
handle for 4500/5500/6500 Ambassadeur) were kindly donated
to me by
Jan Eggars from NL (see his Personal page)
Larry Jackson from USA has kindly
supplied images of a number of official ABU and unofficial hi speed gear
sets for 5000/6000 size Ambassadeurs.
Most essential are the rod and reel
parts and samples follow
A favourite accessory of mine is this big
ABU Salmo gaff/wader/tailer
ABU sold hooks with early forms of plastic coating called Lysfiskar lyskrokar , meaning luminescent single and treble hooks.
I am
very fortunate to own two very special enamelled knives owned by the
Borgstom family. Len himself presented me with his personal pocket ABU
knife (the top square ended one) and I believe the older one is his father's
knife with scalloped ends. (Gote Borgstrom)
Click
to enjoy in greater detail.
A sample accessories
catalog page from the 1957 N&N can be seen here.
Jewellery has been popular in the ABU product line
Repair Items such as matching binding thread
and Laquer is always useful. I need some of the grey/white thread used on
the ABU Diplomat series of rods, in order to repair a runner placement.
Sundry other items
Wouldn't a a Toby haversack/carrybag be nice to own and use?
My wish has been kindly fulfilled by Uffe Edefuhr