The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Here is a list of Ambidex Reel Models along with their approximate year of manufacture, within these models there were other variations or types of reel.

Ambidex Casting Reel - 1944
Ambidex No. 1 (half bale arm) - 1946
Ambidex No. 2 (half bale arm) - 1947
Ambidex No. 1 FP (full bale arm) - 1954
Ambidex No. 2 FP (full bale arm) - 1954
Ambidex No. 3 FP (full bale arm) - 1954
Ambidex No. 4 - 1959
Ambidex De-luxe - 1961
Ambidex Mk 5 - 1961
Ambidex Mk 6 (bronze or gold) - 1961
Ambidex Mk 6 SD (blue) - 1961
Ambidex Mk 7 - 1963
Ambidex Mk 6 (new shape) - 1964
Ambidex Mk 7 (new shape) - 1964
Ambidex De-luxe (new shape) - 1964
Ambidex Mk 8 (Delmatic) - 1964
Ambidex Mk 9 - 1965
Ambidex Match - 1967

That's quite a list, Mark, thanks.
I have two Mark Sixes which are black, with blue and yellow trim and several Delmatic 2s with grey plastic spools, both with different anti-reverse knobs.

Nobby wrote:That's quite a list, Mark, thanks.
I have two Mark Sixes which are black, with blue and yellow trim and several Delmatic 2s with grey plastic spools, both with different anti-reverse knobs.

It would be nice to see some pictures Nobby.

I'm not sure what model mine is, but its the swan necked one. coloured pale blue. I bought it in the early 70's as (I think) it was much cheaper than than the Mitchell 300 which I really wanted but couldn't afford.

I use it occasionally, purely out of nostalgia as with apologies to Ambidex fans, performance wise, its not a patch on the Mitchell. A pity really, as its built like a tank, the workmanship is there, its British made and I want to like it!

perchbasher wrote:I'm not sure what model mine is, but its the swan necked one. coloured pale blue. I bought it in the early 70's as (I think) it was much cheaper than than the Mitchell 300 which I really wanted but couldn't afford.

I use it occasionally, purely out of nostalgia as with apologies to Ambidex fans, performance wise, its not a patch on the Mitchell. A pity really, as its built like a tank, the workmanship is there, its British made and I want to like it!

Any chance of a picture PB, we could then identify it for you. :thumb:

I believe that the blue swan necked one is a Mk 6. I've been chasing a reasonably priced one of these for a while without success!

I think your right Sean, it will say mark six on the name plate if it is Perchbasher.

It would appear that there are Mark Sixes in both body shapes then? And Mark Fives too, for that matter?


Pass the aspirin!

Hi Mark - here is my little collection

Would both the casting reels be from 1944 even though they are different no's?

And I guess your list would date the Mark six to 1961?

Thanks for the info

Very nice. I think the last picture is the one I have. :thumb: