Mustad Hooks – 3116 B
3116 B — Mustad-Limerick
At-a-Glance Summary
The Mustad 3116 B represents the classic Norwegian manufacturer’s mid-century wet fly hook designed for European angling traditions P. This size 7 specimen features the distinctive Limerick bend with its angular bottom geometry, turned-down tapered eye, and kirbed (offset) point configuration P.
The green ‘Key Brand’ wrapper with decorative floral border dates to approximately 1950-1970, evidenced by the ‘OSLO – NORWAY’ location marking and characteristic mid-century typography P. The bronzed finish and superior point style reflect period manufacturing standards for quality wet fly irons P.
Collecting interest centers on the uncommon size 7 designation and intact original packaging, as modern production eliminated odd-numbered sizes and this wrapper style represents Mustad’s classic export presentation I.
Photography
Identification
| Manufacturer | mustad |
| Model / Code | 3116 B |
| Full Name | Mustad-Limerick |
| Size Documented | 7 |
| Estimated Era | c. 1950-1970 |
| Country of Origin | Norway |
Technical Specifications
| Eye Type | Turned-Down Tapered Eye |
| Eye Notes | The turned-down tapered eye shows proper wire tapering before formation, creating a smooth transition without bulk P. The eye opening is well-proportioned for size 7 tippet materials of the era E. |
| Wire Gauge | Standard |
| Wire Profile | Round (unforged) |
| Shank Length | Standard |
| Bend Family | Limerick — offset / kirbed |
| Bend Notes | The Limerick bend shows the classic angular transition at the bottom of the curve rather than the smooth radius of Sproat or round bends P. The bend depth is proportionate to the hook size with good symmetry between the two sides P. |
| Point Style | Superior (near-straight inner taper) |
| Gap Width | Standard |
| Barb | Standard-length barb with appropriate angle for the period, positioned to provide secure hold without excessive penetration resistance P. |
| Finish | Bronzed — Confirmed (stated on packaging) |
| Finish Notes | The bronzed finish exhibits the characteristic warm brown tone of chemical bronzing, uniform across the hook surface with no visible wear or corrosion on this specimen P. This finish provided corrosion resistance while maintaining the non-reflective properties preferred for fly fishing applications I. |
The Limerick bend’s angular bottom geometry was engineered to provide superior fish-holding capability compared to round bends, with the sharp transition point acting as a mechanical lock once penetration occurred I. The turned-down tapered eye reduced thread bulk on the finished fly while maintaining strength, achieved by tapering the wire before eye formation rather than simply bending standard gauge wire P. The kirbed offset positioned the point slightly out of plane with the shank, improving hookup percentages by increasing the effective point exposure angle during the strike P.
Technical Measurements
Method: Grid-derived from photograph (1/10" grid).
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | ~0.80-0.90" (~20-23 mm) E |
| Shank Length | ~0.50-0.60" (~13-15 mm) E |
| Gap Width | ~0.30-0.35" (~8-9 mm) E |
| Bend Depth | ~0.25-0.30" (~6-8 mm) E |
| Shank-to-Gap Ratio | ~1.6-1.9 : 1 |
Measurements derived from 1/10-inch grid. Overall length: approximately 8.5 small squares = 0.85". Shank length: approximately 5.5 small squares = 0.55". Gap width: approximately 3.2 small squares = 0.32". Hook positioned at slight angle to grid requiring estimation of partial squares.
Historical Context
mustad
O. Mustad & Sön was founded in 1832 by Ole Mustad in Gjøvik, Norway, evolving from a small forge operation into the world’s largest fishhook manufacturer. The company’s industrial approach and consistent quality made ‘Mustad’ synonymous with fishhooks globally by the mid-20th century. Norwegian steel quality and precision manufacturing techniques established Mustad as the dominant supplier to tackle dealers worldwide. The company’s export-focused business model meant most production was packaged for international distribution, with distinctive wrapper designs for different markets.
Series History
The 3116 series represented Mustad’s standard wet fly hook line through the mid-20th century, designed specifically for the European angling market where Limerick bends dominated traditional fly patterns. Introduced in the 1940s, the series offered kirbed points and bronzed finishes as standard features, reflecting preferences established by British and Continental fly fishers. The ‘B’ designation indicated the bronzed finish option within the 3116 family. Production continued through the 1970s when changing fly fishing preferences led to emphasis on Sproat and round bend geometries in succeeding product lines.
Era and Packaging Dating
The 'OSLO - NORWAY' location marking dates this post-1924 when the city name changed from Christiania. The decorative border style, green paper wrapper, and 'Key Brand' typography are characteristic of Mustad's mid-century export packaging format used through the 1950s-1960s. No barcode present indicates pre-1974 production.
Mustad's dominance was so complete that by the 1960s, fishing industry estimates suggested that one out of every two fishhooks used worldwide carried the Mustad name. The company's Gjøvik factory became a point of Norwegian national pride, with the distinctive 'Key Brand' logo representing Norwegian precision manufacturing to anglers across six continents.
Design Lineage and Influence
Related Models — mustad
| Model | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 3116 B (this entry) | This model - Mustad-Limerick wet fly hook | This model |
| 3116 | Base model without bronzed finish designation | Variant |
| 3399 | Later standard wet fly hook with Sproat bend | Later / successor |
Usage, Fly Patterns, and Equivalents
Primary Application
Designed primarily for traditional wet fly fishing in European and British waters P. The Limerick bend with its angular bottom was favored for classic soft hackle flies and winged wet patterns I. The kirbed (offset) point and standard wire gauge also made this suitable for natural bait fishing with worms or single salmon eggs P.
Secondary Applications
Natural bait fishing for trout and salmon
Classic Fly Patterns
Partridge and Orange, Leadwing Coachman, March Brown, traditional soft hackle patterns
Modern Equivalents
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 3399A | Good | Similar wire gauge and application but Sproat bend rather than Limerick |
| Tiemco 3761 | Moderate | Modern wet fly standard but longer shank and different bend geometry |
| Kamasan B175 | Good | Heavy wire wet fly hook maintaining traditional strength characteristics |
Collectability and Value
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Market Value (USD) | $8 – $20 |
| Packaging Condition | Very Good — light wear, fully legible |
| Packaging Format | MUS-GW-02 |
The size 7 designation adds collectability as modern manufacturing eliminated odd-numbered sizes to streamline inventory. The green ‘Key Brand’ wrapper represents Mustad’s classic mid-century export packaging, appealing to collectors of fishing memorabilia P. However, the 3116 series was a high-volume production model, limiting scarcity value I. The Limerick bend, while historically significant, is less sought after by modern fly tiers compared to Sproat or round bends I.
Packaging
Green paper wrapper with decorative floral border pattern. Black letterpress printing. 'Key Brand' logo with skeleton key illustration. Text includes manufacturer name 'O. MUSTAD & SÖN', location 'OSLO - NORWAY', model 'Qual. 3116 B', description 'Mustad-Limerick Hooks', specifications 'T. d. tapered eye, bronzed, kirbed', quantity '100', size 'No. 7', and 'Made in Norway'.
Market Value Notes
Pricing reflects vintage packaging premium. Loose hooks worth $0.25-0.50 each. Original wrapper adds 80% of value. Condition critical - torn wrapper reduces value significantly.
Where to Find
eBay vintage tackle auctions, estate sales, old tackle shop inventory, European fishing collectibles dealers
Storage and Preservation
Store in a cool, dry environment to preserve the bronzed finish and prevent corrosion. The original green wrapper is particularly susceptible to fading and should be kept away from direct light. Maintain hooks on the original card rather than removing them, as the complete package significantly enhances collecting value. Handle the wrapper carefully as the paper stock shows brittleness typical of mid-century materials. Consider protective sleeves for long-term storage to prevent further aging of the decorative border elements.
The Odd-Numbered Size System
Size 7 represents the vintage era’s more granular sizing system where odd and even numbers provided specific gap measurements for precise fly proportions. Modern manufacturing eliminated odd-numbered sizes (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) to reduce inventory complexity, making vintage size 7 hooks increasingly scarce. The gap width of a size 7 falls between modern size 6 and 8, offering a specific dimension that contemporary tiers cannot easily replicate. This intermediate sizing was particularly valued by European wet fly specialists who matched hook gaps precisely to traditional pattern proportions established over centuries of angling tradition.
Confidence Notation Key
| 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. |
Claims with no notation are confirmed by multiple independent sources. All photographs on garrenwood.com are taken on a measurement grid where each square equals 1/10 inch (0.1″ / 2.54 mm).