S. Allcock & Co’s – Limerick Hooks 185
At-a-Glance Summary
S. Allcock & Co. Limerick Hook No. 185 — a classic British trout hook from the interwar period, manufactured in Redditch, England. The model represents the company’s premium ‘Limerick’ line, featuring a distinctive tapered blind eye designed for attachment to fine gut leaders without bulk.
The hook exhibits a refined limerick bend with a superior point geometry — the inner face is nearly flat with a subtle taper, providing excellent penetration and retention. Standard wire gauge and moderate shank length make it suitable for dry flies, wet flies, and small nymphs in traditional English fly-fishing practice. The bronzed (warm brown) finish is characteristic of high-quality Redditch production.
Original green paper card packaging shows period-correct letterpress typography and remains in very good condition with all 100 hooks present. The absence of a barcode confirms pre-1974 production, and the card construction, paper stock, and logo style are consistent with Allcock’s 1920s–1940s output. This hook exemplifies the Redditch craft tradition at its zenith, when English manufacturers dominated the global market for refined fishing tackle.
Collectability is moderate to strong among Redditch specialists and traditional fly-tying enthusiasts. The tapered blind eye is an uncommon feature in surviving examples, and the original packaging in this condition commands genuine collector interest. Size 2 is standard and readily available, but complete original cards with full hook counts are increasingly scarce.
Photography
Identification
| Manufacturer | allcock |
| Model / Code | 185 |
| Full Name | Limerick Hook No. 185 |
| Size Documented | 2 |
| Estimated Era | c. 1920-1945 |
| Country of Origin | England |
Technical Specifications
| Eye Type | Blind — Marked Tapered Shank |
| Eye Notes | Tapered blind eye — the shank tapers to a smooth rounded point with no flattening or spade construction. Gut attached via loop tied around the taper. P |
| Wire Gauge | Fine (1X Fine) |
| Wire Profile | Forged |
| Shank Length | 3X Long — Marked / Ridged, Tapered |
| Bend Family | Limerick |
| Bend Notes | Classic limerick geometry with angular bottom and smooth, continuous curve. Bend is well-proportioned to the shank length, exhibiting the precise symmetry characteristic of forged Redditch work. Wire set is straight with no twist or offset. P |
| Point Style | Hollow Point (concave inner face) |
| Gap Width | Standard |
| Barb | Small, close-cut barb positioned slightly ahead of the deepest point of the bend. Barb angle is acute, typical of superior point construction. Barb does not impede point geometry. P |
| Finish | Bronzed — Confirmed (stated on packaging) |
| Finish Notes | Warm brown tone with visible steel grain beneath the coating, characteristic of bronzed finish. Uniform color across the wire. P |
| Condition | Specimen hooks show no corrosion, pitting, or surface defects. Bronzed finish is uniform with expected patina development from age. Original paper card exhibits light overall toning, minor creasing at edges, and small areas of paper distress consistent with 80+ years of storage. All 100 hooks remain on the card. |
The superior point geometry — characterized by a near-straight inner taper and nearly flat inside face — offers several functional advantages. The minimal concavity provides a large, predictable penetration plane, reducing the risk of hook deflection when setting the fly in a fish’s mouth. The barb, positioned close to the deepest bend, works in concert with the superior geometry to secure the hook once penetrated.
The tapered blind eye eliminates the bulk of a turned eye, reducing the overall weight and profile of the hook at the critical junction with the leader. This was essential in the gut-leader era, when any excess material at the attachment point risked weakening the fragile connection. The tapered design allows the eye to taper smoothly from full wire diameter to nearly needle-like at the final gut-loop attachment point.
Forging in the Redditch tradition involved multiple stages of hammer-and-anvil shaping, work-hardening the steel while achieving precise bend geometry. This process imparts superior fatigue resistance compared to simple wire-bending, a critical factor for a hook that must flex under loading without cracking.
The ‘Superfine Spring Steel’ designation indicates a high-carbon formulation, work-hardened to provide both strength and elasticity. The bronzed finish protects the steel from immediate oxidation while allowing the hook to develop a natural patina over time — a desirable characteristic in the collecting tradition.
Technical Measurements
Size measured: 2. Method: Physical measurement with calipers.
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 1.22" |
| Shank Length | .927" |
| Gap Width | .409" |
| Bend Depth | ~0.48"-0.52" (~12-13 mm) |
| Wire Diameter | .038" |
| Weight | .241g |
Overall length and gap width confirmed by physical caliper measurement. Shank length, bend depth, and wire diameter estimated from grid analysis using confirmed overall length (1.3 inches) as calibration reference. Grid alignment is clean across the specimen. Calibration check: 13 smallest grid squares span 1.3 inches, confirming 0.1 inch per square.
We have measurement for size 2. Know any others? Submit calipered measurements and we'll review and add them. Thank you!
Historical Context
allcock
S. Allcock & Co. was one of Redditch’s most distinguished hook and tackle manufacturers, with roots tracing to the late 19th century. The company’s No. 1 facility in Redditch became a center of innovation in British fly-fishing tackle production, earning recognition for the quality and precision of its forged hooks.
Allcock’s reputation was built on the Limerick bend, which became a benchmark design across the industry. The company maintained strict quality control, producing hooks in a range of wire gauges and sizes suited to different species and fishing methods. During the interwar period, Allcock was among the leading exporters of British hooks, supplying fly fishers and tackle dealers throughout the British Empire and North America.
The company’s green paper sales cards, with the distinctive stag trademark and letterpress typography, became iconic in the hobby and remain highly recognizable to modern collectors. Allcock continued manufacturing after World War II, eventually becoming integrated into larger industrial concerns, and the brand eventually passed into the Mustad portfolio after Mustad’s acquisition of Partridge of Redditch and related Redditch makers in the 1960s-1970s.
Series History
The Allcock Limerick hook series, introduced in the late 19th century, became one of the most widely respected hook patterns in British fly fishing. The ‘Limerick’ name derives from the city in Ireland, though the design itself was refined and standardized by Redditch manufacturers including S. Allcock & Co.
The series was offered in multiple sizes and wire gauges, each designated by a model number. The No. 185 Superfine Spring Steel variant positioned itself as a premium option for demanding fly tyers and chalk stream anglers who required both delicacy and reliability. The tapered blind eye was a signature feature, allowing gut leaders to be tied directly to the shank with minimal bulk — a significant advantage in an era before nylon monofilament.
Production continued through the 1940s, with variants of the card showing alternating nomenclature (‘Hollow Point’ vs ‘Ballard Point’), suggesting design or catalog refinements during the interwar period. The series remained in production into the post-war era, though later examples typically featured different packaging and updated nomenclature reflecting the shift to modern fishing practices.
Era and Packaging Dating
No barcode (pre-1974 indicator). Letterpress print method typical of early-20th century British packaging. Green paper stock and stag logo are consistent with Allcock's interwar and WWII period production. Company address shows 'No. 1 Redditch' which matches Allcock headquarters location during this era. Typography and card construction are characteristic of 1920s-1940s British hook packaging. The terms 'Superfine Spring Steel' and 'Hollow Point' (later reprinted as 'Ballard Point') reflect nomenclature conventions of this period.
The Allcock stag trademark on this card is one of the most enduring symbols in British fishing history. The stag — poised and alert — became synonymous with Redditch craftsmanship and was stamped or printed on thousands of tackle items throughout the 20th century. A single surviving Allcock card with its original stag trademark intact is immediately recognizable to fly fishers and collectors across the UK and Commonwealth, a testament to the staying power of the brand more than 80 years after production.
Design Lineage and Influence
The Limerick bend traces its lineage to Irish river-fishing traditions of the 19th century, refined and standardized by English manufacturers including S. Allcock & Co. The bend geometry — with its angular bottom and smooth, continuous curve — became a template copied by dozens of competing makers globally.
The tapered blind eye represented a practical evolution in response to the demands of gut-leader fishing. Prior to refined blind-eye designs, fly tyers used looped eyes or simple turned eyes, both of which introduced bulk and weakness at the critical leader attachment point. Allcock’s tapered blind eye solved this problem elegantly, allowing the eye diameter to transition smoothly from full wire to a needle-like taper, accommodating the loop of gut with minimal resistance.
This design influenced later manufacturers including Partridge of Redditch (which absorbed much of Allcock’s patent portfolio) and Norwegian makers like Mustad, though Mustad’s versions typically featured ball eyes rather than tapered construction. The superior point geometry remains largely unchanged in modern reproductions, confirming its enduring functional effectiveness.
Related by Attribute
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
241 No. 2/0 — Mustad Quality 241 | 77% |
Matches: Bend, Wire, Gap, Eye, Eye Orient. +4 more Differs: Shank: 3X Long vs Standard; Point: Hollow Point vs Superior; Finish: Bronzed vs Blued |
Compare |
|
241 B No. 1/0, 4/0 — 241 B | 73% |
Matches: Bend, Wire, Gap, Eye Orient., Point +1 more Differs: Shank: 3X Long vs 1X Long; Eye: Blind — Marked Tapered Shank vs Blind — Tapered Shank; Finish: Bronzed vs Gold-Plated +3 more |
Compare |
|
Harrison & Bartleet’s – Celebrated Pennell Limerick Hooks | 72% |
Matches: Bend, Wire, Gap, Eye Orient., Barb +1 more Differs: Shank: 3X Long vs 1X Long; Eye: Blind — Marked Tapered Shank vs Blind — Tapered Shank; Point: Hollow Point vs Standard / Spear +4 more |
Compare |
|
8230 No. 2 — Mustad 8230 Limerick | 70% |
Matches: Bend, Gap, Point, Application, Barb Differs: Shank: 3X Long vs 2X Long; Wire: Fine (1X Fine) vs Standard; Eye: Blind — Marked Tapered Shank vs Ball Eye +4 more |
Compare |
|
36673 No. 3 — Mustad 36673 | 68% |
Matches: Bend, Gap, Point, Finish, Barb Differs: Shank: 3X Long vs 2X Long; Wire: Fine (1X Fine) vs Standard; Eye: Blind — Marked Tapered Shank vs Tapered Eye +4 more |
Compare |
Related by Shape (SVG)
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3739 No. 8 — Aberdeen | 99% | Compare |
|
9049 No. 6 — Mustad 9049 | 99% | Compare |
|
CS2 No. 4 — CS2 S.E.B. Steelhead/Salmon | 99% | Compare |
|
3366 B No. 6 — Mustad-Spraat Hooks | 98% | Compare |
|
3401 A No. 5/0 — Mustad 3401 A | 98% | Compare |
Usage, Fly Patterns, and Equivalents
Primary Application
A classic English trout fly hook suited to wet flies, small nymphs, and traditional dry fly patterns. The Limerick bend with superior point is particularly effective for delicate presentations and precise fly tying. The tapered blind eye accommodates fine gut leaders with minimal bulk at the attachment point, making it ideal for chalk stream fishing and other traditions requiring fine tackle.
Modern Equivalents
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partridge GRS4A | Very Good | Partridge Limerick, tapered blind eye, similar bend geometry and wire gauge. Partridge acquired Allcock heritage patents. |
| Mustad 3906 | Good | Limerick bend with ball eye; superior point. More modern construction but comparable fishing application. |
| Daiichi 1180 | Good | Japanese-made limerick with superior point and tapered eye construction. Performance equivalent for modern fly tyers. |
Collectability and Value
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Market Value (USD) | $18 – $45 |
| Packaging Condition | Very Good — light wear, fully legible |
| Packaging Format | SAN-E-185 |
Collectability Drivers: The original green paper card, the tapered blind eye (an uncommon feature), and the proven manufacturing pedigree of S. Allcock & Co. all contribute to collector interest. Complete cards with all 100 hooks intact are increasingly difficult to locate, as many have been broken up and individual hooks lost or dispersed. The pre-barcode era dating adds historical authenticity. Redditch hooks from the interwar period are actively collected by fly-tying historians and English tackle specialists.
Limiting Factors: Size 2 is relatively common; larger and smaller sizes command higher premiums. The hook is not associated with any famous fly pattern or designer, limiting appeal to general fly-tying audiences. Condition wear on the paper card, loss of even a few hooks from the original 100, or separation from its original packaging reduces value significantly. Mustad’s later acquisition of competing Redditch makers has made these examples less exclusive than they once appeared.
Most Desirable Variants: Sealed or near-sealed original cards (no hooks removed) in excellent condition are at the high end of the value range. Cards showing the ‘Ballard Point’ nomenclature variant are slightly scarcer, as they represent a transitional printing. Larger sizes (2/0, 3/0) and smaller sizes (4, 6) command modest premiums over the standard No. 2.
Condition Factors: Original green paper color and intact letterpress printing are essential to value. Cards with significant fading, staining, or tape repairs are materially less desirable. The presence of all 100 hooks, or near-complete counts (95+), is critical; cards with fewer than 80 hooks remaining are substantially discounted. Storage history matters — hooks showing corrosion or verdigris are less collectible, though light patina is expected and not penalizing.
Packaging
Green paper sales card, approximately 2.75" × 1.75" (70 × 44 mm). Card stock is medium-weight with printed text in black letterpress. Decorative border of small circles surrounds the card perimeter. Large stag/deer logo upper left (Limerick trademark). Central text reads: '185 / Superfine Spring Steel / Hollow Point / LIMERICK HOOKS / S. ALLCOCK & CO. / No. 1 Redditch. / 100'. One variant label visible reads 'Ballard Point' instead of 'Hollow Point'. Card shows light toning and minor edge wear consistent with age. No barcode present. Original hooks intact (100 count confirmed).
Market Value Notes
Low ($18): Good condition — opened card, 85-95 hooks remaining, light packaging wear, hooks bright and uncorroded.<br />
High ($45): Excellent to Mint condition — sealed or near-sealed card with no hooks removed, original green paper and typography pristine, no visible defects.<br />
Premium factors: Sealed/near-sealed packaging, complete or near-complete (100) hook count, Allcock pedigree, tapered blind eye, interwar period provenance, Redditch origin.<br />
Platforms: eBay UK (primary), specialty tackle dealers in England and North America, Redditch antique fairs.<br />
Confidence: E Estimated — based on limited recent sales data for Allcock interwar cards; actual sales rare. Estimate assumes sales card format; loose hooks would be valued at 25-40% of these figures.
Where to Find
eBay UK (regular postings under 'Allcock hook' or 'Limerick hook' searches). Specialist tackle dealers in Redditch and the English Midlands. Antique fishing tackle fairs and auctions, particularly in England. North American fly-tying retailers occasionally stock vintage Allcock examples. Complete original cards are significantly harder to source than individual loose examples.
Storage and Preservation
Store this card in a cool, dry environment, ideally between 45–60°F (7–16°C) with relative humidity below 50%. Excess moisture will accelerate patina development on the bronzed finish and can cause paper deterioration and mold growth on the card.
Keep the card in its original packaging rather than removing individual hooks. The paper card provides protection from dust, handling, and moisture fluctuation. If the card must be stored in an album or display case, use acid-free, archival-quality materials only — ordinary paper or plastic can degrade both the hooks and the card over time.
Avoid direct sunlight, which will fade the green paper color and can cause the bronzed finish to develop an uneven patina. Store away from other metals to prevent galvanic corrosion between different steel or alloy types.
The bronzed finish is susceptible to light patina development, which is normal and desirable from a collecting standpoint — it evidences authenticity and age. Do not attempt to polish or ‘restore’ the finish. If corrosion is present (rust spots, pitting, verdigris), consult a conservator before attempting any remedial treatment.
Handle the card by its edges only, avoiding contact with the printed surface or the hooks themselves. Skin oils and moisture accelerate oxidation and can cause fingerprints to etch into the paper.
Card Text Analysis: Design Claims and Historical Context
Source: S. Allcock & Co. Limerick Hook No. 185 original paper card, c. 1920-1945, green letterpress card stock.
The card’s printed specifications are worth analyzing in detail:
‘Superfine Spring Steel’: This term indicates a high-carbon steel formulation, work-hardened through the Redditch forging process. ‘Superfine’ distinguishes this hook from heavier utility models and signals the target user — fly tyers requiring strength without weight. The claim reflects genuine manufacturing intent: the steel composition and hardness differ materially from standard mild-steel hooks used for bait fishing.
‘Hollow Point’ (and ‘Ballard Point’ variant): This is the first notable discrepancy on surviving examples. The card shows two nomenclature versions: ‘Hollow Point’ and ‘Ballard Point,’ both present in the research images. Modern analysis confirms this hook exhibits a superior point geometry — a nearly flat inner face with subtle taper — NOT a hollow point (which has a strongly concave inner face). The nomenclature shift likely reflects internal catalog reorganization or a response to competitor naming conventions. ‘Ballard Point’ is obscure in modern literature but may reference a patent or internal Allcock designation.
‘LIMERICK HOOKS’: The uppercase treatment and prominent placement emphasize the model line, not the company name. This marketing choice reflects the design’s reputation — the Limerick bend was already famous by the 1920s, and Allcock leveraged that brand equity. The decision to lead with ‘Limerick’ rather than ‘Allcock’s Premium’ or similar branding tells us that the bend design itself was the primary selling point.
‘No. 1 Redditch’: The address designation is exact — No. 1 was Allcock’s principal manufactory address in Redditch, establishing this as a top-tier product from the company’s flagship facility, not a subcontracted or secondary production site.
Sizing Nomenclature: Size 2 in the Redditch Tradition
This hook is documented as ‘Size 2’ by the original packaging and confirmed by physical caliper measurement (overall length 1.30 inches / 33 mm). It is important to note that this sizing system is distinct from modern continental numbering.
In the Redditch tradition, hook sizes were typically numbered in two directions: ‘Size 1’ upward for progressively larger hooks, and below 1 for progressively smaller hooks (Size 2, 3, 4, etc., sometimes written as ‘2,’ ‘3,’ ‘4’). This inverted numbering system can confuse modern tyers who are accustomed to the Mustad convention (where larger numbers indicate larger hooks).
Size 2 in Redditch nomenclature is a standard small-to-medium trout hook, suitable for dry flies, wet flies, and small nymphs. The overall length of ~1.30 inches places it well within the range of modern equivalents like a Daiichi 1180 in size 16-18 or a Partridge GRS4A in size 14-16, depending on the specific gap width being considered.
A collector encountering this hook without the original card should be aware: it is neither exceptionally large nor exceptionally small. Its value and collectability derive primarily from the original packaging, the manufacturer pedigree, and the uncommon tapered blind eye — not from size rarity.
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).