Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
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The S. Allcock & Co. 5002M is a polished-steel bait hook from the Cincinnati Bass series, manufactured in Redditch, England, for the North American market during the early twentieth century. Size 28 in the Allcock vintage system measures approximately 0.79 inches overall, placing it in the small-to-medium range for live-bait bass and coarse fishing.
The defining feature of this hook is its tapered blind eye — the shank tapers to a smooth, rounded terminus with no flatting or spade construction, allowing gut or line to be tied in a loop around the taper. This construction method is characteristic of Redditch craftsmanship and represents a refinement over the more utilitarian blind-flatted designs of earlier decades. The polished-steel finish exhibits visible grinding marks and a bright, uncoated surface typical of the period.
Packaging evidence — letterpress printing on cream kraft stock, decorative borders, the absence of a barcode, and Allcock’s independent manufacturing status — all confirm production between c. 1910 and 1935, prior to the company’s acquisition by Mustad. The Cincinnati Bass series has moderate collector appeal among Redditch specialists and vintage tackle enthusiasts interested in early American market hooks.
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Tapered Blind Eye | Sproat Bend | Standard Shank | Standard Wire | Standard Point | Polished Steel
The tapered blind eye represents a sophisticated Redditch manufacturing technique in which the shank is progressively drawn down to a smooth, rounded terminal point rather than flatted or formed into a defined spade. This design permits the angler to secure the line or gut via a simple loop knot around the taper, avoiding the stress concentration that flat-eyed constructions create. The taper distributes load gradually across a larger surface area, enhancing knot security and reducing breakage risk — a significant advantage in live-bait presentations where sudden strikes impart shock loads.
The Sproat bend — a rounded, moderate-depth design — is well suited to live bait and saltwater applications. The polished-steel finish provides a bright, uncoated surface that resists corrosion less effectively than japanned or bronzed finishes, suggesting this hook was intended for freshwater use where corrosion risk is lower and anglers value the durability and appearance of bare steel.
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Sources: this specimen and its packaging.
The 5002M is part of S. Allcock & Co.’s extensive Cincinnati Bass series, a dedicated line marketed toward American freshwater anglers, particularly for bass and general coarse fishing. The series designation ‘Cincinnati Bass MARKED’ (noted on the packaging) indicates hooks specifically sharpened and finished for the North American market. The ‘M’ suffix on the model code likely denotes a specific wire gauge or finish variant within the broader 5002 family. Allcock manufactured Cincinnati Bass hooks from approximately 1910 through the late 1930s, maintaining consistent quality standards and finish options including polished steel, bronzed, and plated variants. The series was discontinued following Allcock’s acquisition by O. Mustad & Son in 1938-1939.
No barcode present (strong indicator of pre-1974 manufacture). Letterpress printing on cream kraft stock typical of Edwardian through 1930s trade packaging. Allcock & Co. existed as an independent manufacturer until acquired by Mustad in 1938-1939, placing this hook within their final independent production era. The 'Cincinnati Bass' sub-brand and 'SPRING STEEL' nomenclature are consistent with early American market positioning c. 1910-1935. Logo style, box construction, and paper stock all conform to the Allcock house style from this period. Price marking location and typography support early twentieth century dating.
In the early twentieth century, S. Allcock & Co. deliberately marketed the Cincinnati Bass series to American anglers, stamping boxes with 'MARKED' to indicate that every hook had been hand-sharpened to North American standards. The 'Cincinnati' designation was a strategic nod to the thriving bass-fishing culture of the Ohio River valley, positioning these English-made hooks as essential equipment for American sport fishers. Despite the success of Mustad's industrial production from Norway, British craftsmen like Allcock competed by emphasizing hand-finishing, eye construction, and regional customization — a market advantage that persisted until Mustad acquired Allcock in 1938-1939.
The 5002M represents a mature stage in Redditch blind-eye hook development. Earlier nineteenth-century designs employed flat-spade or crude rounded eyes; the tapered blind eye visible on the 5002M reflects refinements by multiple Redditch makers (Allcock, Partridge, Milward) who competed on construction sophistication. The Sproat bend design itself traces to Scottish tradition but was widely adopted and standardized by English manufacturers by the 1890s. Allcock’s Cincinnati Bass line succeeded earlier general-purpose American-market lines and was itself superseded after 1938 by Mustad’s integrated product offerings. Modern equivalents include Mustad 32383 (tapered eye) and certain Partridge hook designs, though direct replacements are uncommon given the obsolescence of gut-loop attachment methods.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3750 No. 15 and 28 — Mustad 3750 | 77% | Compare | |
|
180 F No. 4/0, (unspecified) — No. 180 F Kirby | 74% | Compare | |
|
3143 No. 4 — Mustad-Best Kirby Hooks | 69% | Compare | |
|
3141 No. 1, 6 — Mustad-Best Kirby Hooks | 68% | Compare | |
|
3310 No. 19 — Mustad-Cincinnati Bass Hooks | 66% | Compare |
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3867 No. 8 — Sneck Hooks | 77% | Compare |
|
|
3143 No. 4 — Mustad-Best Kirby Hooks | 75% | Compare |
|
3337 No. 9 — Mustad 3337 Superior Sneck Hooks | 75% | Compare |
|
7947 A No. 6 — Mustad 7947 A | 70% | Compare |
|
SP11-3L3H No. 5/0 — Saltwater Perfect Bend | 70% | Compare |
A general-purpose bait hook designed for bass and coarse fishing, particularly suited to live or dead bait presentations. The size 28 designation follows the older Allcock sizing system, which does not correspond directly to modern hook sizing standards. This hook was marketed under the ‘Cincinnati Bass’ sub-brand, indicating a North American market focus despite English manufacture.
Named patterns specifically associated with this hook. Leave blank if none formally documented. Do not speculate — only include patterns with a confirmed association.
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 32383 | Moderate | Tapered eye and bait-hook profile similar; however, differs in wire gauge and bend family. Mustad's industrial production does not replicate Allcock's hand-finishing character. |
| Partridge CS12/1 | Moderate | Redditch-made bait hook with tapered eye construction; closer in heritage and manufacturing tradition but different bend profile. |
Rated 4.5/10 — moderate collectability driven by Redditch provenance, early twentieth-century manufacture, and the sophistication of the tapered blind-eye construction. Limiting factors include the relatively common nature of the Cincinnati Bass series and the lack of rarity-driving characteristics such as extreme sizing or unusual finishes. The preserved original packaging commands a premium among specialists.
Positive factors: Redditch manufacture by a historically significant and now-defunct maker (Allcock, acquired 1938-1939); sophisticated tapered blind-eye construction uncommon in modern production; original maker’s box in good condition with complete hook count (100 hooks); early twentieth-century dating with strong provenance; appeal to Redditch specialists and early American market tackle historians.
Limiting factors: The Cincinnati Bass series was mass-produced for export and survives in reasonable quantities; polished-steel finish is less visually distinctive than bronzed, japanned, or plated variants; size 28 is small by modern standards and less useful to contemporary fly tyers; competition from more famous Redditch makers (Partridge, Milward) for collector attention; condition issues (loose hooks, damaged box) reduce value significantly.
Premium drivers: Complete original box with intact label and tissue wrapping; full hook count (all 100 present); minimal oxidation or corrosion on hooks; clear, legible printing on packaging; condition of the tapered eye (no damage or resharpening). Variant finishes (if bronzed examples are confirmed rarer than polished) would command higher premiums. Size variants — particularly if some sizes in the series are rarer — add value to specialty collections.
Manufacturer box with textured kraft paper wrapper. Top label printed in black letterpress on cream stock, featuring decorative eyebrow motif and ornamental borders. Printed text: 'No. 5002M' / 'SPRING STEEL' / 'CINCINNATI BASS' / 'MARKED.' / 'S. ALLCOCK & CO,' / 'No. 28' / 'ENGLAND' / '100'. Original tissue wrapping visible inside box. No barcode present. Box exhibits light toning and age-appropriate wear consistent with early-to-mid twentieth century manufacture.
Low ($12): Good condition — box opened, complete hook count, packaging shows age-appropriate wear, light toning, all hooks present and functional. High ($35): Excellent condition — box sealed or near-sealed, tissue intact, no hooks missing, minimal wear to label, hooks bright with no corrosion. Premium factors: Redditch maker (Allcock) in pre-1938 independent production era; intact original maker's box rare for this series; tapered blind-eye construction command premium among specialists; complete count of 100 hooks; early letterpress printing and kraft stock as era documentation. Platforms: eBay UK and US (sporadic listings); specialist Redditch tackle dealers; British fishing heritage fairs and auctions. Confidence: E estimated — limited comparable sold data for this specific model and finish variant. Redditch boxes command 2-3x the equivalent loose-hook value.
eBay UK and US (search 'Allcock 5002M' or 'Cincinnati Bass'); British tackle dealers specializing in Redditch hooks; fishing heritage fairs in the Midlands (Redditch area); occasional appearances at specialist tackle auctions.
Store the hook in its original maker’s box in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and high humidity. The polished-steel finish is susceptible to oxidation if exposed to moisture; the original kraft-paper box provides some environmental buffering. Avoid handling hooks unnecessarily — skin oils and salt residue accelerate rust development on uncoated steel. If the box shows signs of dampness, ensure it dries thoroughly in a well-ventilated space before resealing. Do not attempt to clean or polish the hooks; the current patina and finish character are historically significant. Store the box away from other metals to prevent galvanic corrosion. The original tissue wrapping, if intact, should be left in place; it aids preservation and adds significant value. Inspect periodically for signs of insect activity or mold; if detected, isolate the box and consult a specialist conservator.
The Allcock vintage sizing system (early 1900s through 1930s) does not correspond directly to modern hook-size numbering. A size 28 in the Allcock catalog measures approximately 0.79 inches overall — a small-to-medium hook by modern standards, not the ‘tiny’ hook that contemporary nomenclature might suggest. Allcock and other Redditch makers used proprietary numbering schemes where size increments reflected shank length and overall proportion rather than the standardized Mustad or Partridge scales that became dominant post-1950. When researching vintage Allcock hooks, always prioritize physical measurement (caliper or grid-derived) over catalog size numbers to avoid cross-referencing errors.
Source: S. Allcock & Co. No. 5002M packaging, maker's box label, Redditch, England, c. 1910-1935
The packaging inscription ‘SPRING STEEL’ is a significant quality descriptor. Allcock used this term to distinguish higher-carbon steel compositions from softer wire used in economy product lines. Spring steel is more brittle than mild steel but holds a sharper edge and point longer — a critical selling point for bait hooks where repeated contact with fish teeth and gill structures demands superior durability and edge retention. The ‘MARKED’ designation certifies that every hook in the package has been individually hand-sharpened and inspected for quality, differentiating Allcock’s product from mechanically sharpened competitors. This hand-finishing claim communicated craftsmanship and reliability to American buyers — a powerful positioning strategy in an era when British tackle held significant prestige in North America. The combination of ‘Spring Steel’ and ‘Marked’ together represented Allcock’s premium positioning within the bait-hook market.
| P | Photographically verified — Directly observable in the photograph(s) on this page. |
| V | Verified by documentation — Confirmed by manufacturer catalog, spec sheet, or published reference. |
| I | Inferred — A logical deduction from observable or documented evidence, not directly stated. |
| E | Estimated — An approximation based on visual comparison, proportional analysis, or limited data. |
| S | Speculative — A reasoned hypothesis that cannot be confirmed from available evidence. |
Unnotated claims are the compiler’s synthesis; see Sources. All photographs on garrenwood.com are taken on a measurement grid where each square equals 1/10 inch (0.1″ / 2.54 mm).
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