The abu diplomat dates from the 1980's or maybe earlier, I have one with a damaged (but usable) foot and about half a dozen spools.

That reel differs from mine by a lot of details and if I recall correctly mine is labelled 6/7/8.

 

That's the kind of brand which was not and is still not making its own products, and even likely not designs them, just asking a manufacturer to provide them and then they add their logo. So the real maker (s?) adapt depending on their production possibilities, and then that's what happen.
Notwithstanding the possible copies...

R

 

Thanks. That thought had crossed my mind, too. They are so similar, almost identical, and yet . . .

 

I reckon they look like something from a lureflash mamba, don’t have one but found this picture online….

 

That looks like it! The arbour "wall" design on the handle side of the Abu is five "dashes" alternating with "dots" in between; the Lureflash ones are the other way round, beginning and ending with "dots", just like mine.

Bloody hell, so similar!

 

Lureflash Mamba 7/8 Fly Reel With 3 Spools And 3 Fly Lines • £13.06

 

They're a generic el cheapo reel, fine for trout fishing as long as you don't drop the reel onto it's handle, there's no metal holding it to the spool only plastic and it will break. GAC sell 10 spools with the reel for £25.00. Stillwater PL-C Trout Fly Reel & Spool Combos – Glasgow Angling Centre

 

They're a generic el cheapo reel, fine for trout fishing as long as you don't drop the reel onto it's handle, there's no metal holding it to the spool only plastic and it will break. GAC sell 10 spools with the reel for £25.00. Stillwater PL-C Trout Fly Reel & Spool Combos – Glasgow Angling Centre

Brilliant, thanks.