1536 — Mustad-Best Kirby Hook

At-a-Glance Summary

The Mustad 1536 represents a classic Norwegian-manufactured Kirby bait hook from the company’s mid-century production era. Marketed under Mustad’s attractive Key Brand label, this size 6 hook features the traditional offset Kirby bend and superior point geometry optimized for natural bait fishing V.

The distinctive yellow and black packaging with decorative snowflake border reflects Mustad’s premium presentation during the 1950s-1960s period, evidenced by the Oslo address format without postal codes I. The tinned finish provided corrosion resistance for freshwater angling applications P.

While representing solid Norwegian manufacturing quality, the 1536 remains a common pattern with modest collecting interest, valued primarily for its attractive vintage presentation and completeness of the original 100-hook quantity E.

Photography

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Identification

Technical Specifications

Technical Measurements

Method: Grid-derived from photograph (1/10" grid).

Measurements derived from 1/10-inch grid photography. Recommend confirmation with precision calipers for critical applications. Hook positioned flat against grid for maximum accuracy.

Historical Context

mustad

O. Mustad & Son, founded in 1832 by Hans Skikkelstad Mustad in Gjøvik, Norway, became the world’s largest fishhook manufacturer through innovative production methods and aggressive international expansion. The company moved operations to Oslo in the early 20th century, establishing modern manufacturing facilities that would supply hooks globally. Under the leadership of successive generations of the Mustad family, the company developed comprehensive product lines serving both commercial and recreational fishing markets, with the Key Brand representing their premium consumer offerings during the post-war era.

Series History

The 1536 Kirby pattern was part of Mustad’s extensive catalog of traditional bait hooks developed for the European freshwater angling market. Introduced in the company’s pre-war product line, the 1536 continued production through the 1960s as part of the Key Brand series, which featured attractive packaging and consistent quality control. The Kirby bend geometry, with its characteristic offset point, had been a staple of European hook design since the 18th century, and Mustad’s version represented a refined interpretation of this classic pattern optimized for modern wire drawing and tempering techniques.

Era and Packaging Dating

Box shows 'Oslo - Norway' address format without postal codes (introduced in Norway 1968). Decorative border pattern and typography consistent with 1950s-early 1960s Norwegian packaging. Yellow and black color scheme typical of Mustad's mid-century presentation. No barcode present indicating pre-1974 production.

Design Lineage and Influence

The Kirby bend traces its origins to 18th-century English hook making, named after Charles Kirby who perfected the offset point geometry for improved hooking efficiency. Mustad’s 1536 represents the Norwegian interpretation of this traditional English pattern, manufactured with modern wire drawing and heat treatment methods that ensured consistent strength and sharpness. Contemporary competitors included similar Kirby patterns from Partridge of Redditch and Allcock, though Mustad’s industrial scale production allowed for competitive pricing and wide distribution throughout Europe.

Related Models — mustad

Usage, Fly Patterns, and Equivalents

Primary Application

Traditional bait fishing hook designed for natural baits including worms, maggots, and small fish baits. The Kirby bend and superior point provide excellent penetration and holding power for coarse fish species including roach, perch, and small carp P. Commonly used in European freshwater angling during the mid-20th century I.

Secondary Applications

Occasional use in small streamer patterns and traditional wet fly construction

Classic Fly Patterns

Not typically used for fly tying

Modern Equivalents

Collectability and Value

Positive factors include the appealing Key Brand presentation with decorative border graphics, solid Mustad manufacturing reputation, and pre-barcode era dating V. The complete 100-hook quantity and very good box condition enhance value P. However, collectability is constrained by the common nature of standard Kirby bait hooks and widespread availability of similar Mustad products from this era I. Appeals primarily to Norwegian tackle collectors and those focused on mid-century European bait fishing tackle S.

Packaging

Rectangular cardboard box measuring approximately 2.5 x 1.6 inches with yellow background and black text. Features decorative snowflake border pattern around perimeter. Contains Mustad Key Brand logo with key illustration, company address 'Oslo - Norway', model designation 'Qual. 1536', description 'Superior Mustad-Best Kirby Hooks', quantity '100', size 'No. 6', finish 'Eyed Tinned', and origin 'Made in Norway'. Box construction appears to be folded cardboard with glued seams.

Market Value Notes

Complete boxes in this condition typically sell for $8-18 on eBay and at tackle shows. Premium pricing for boxes with all 100 hooks intact. Individual hooks have minimal value.

Where to Find

European tackle fairs, Norwegian fishing memorabilia dealers, eBay listings from Scandinavian sellers