Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
Edgar Sealey & Sons S 1937 represents classic English salmon hook manufacturing from the Redditch works, featuring their signature looped turned-up eye construction with forged wire for strength. The model designation ‘S 1937’ is a pattern identifier placing this production in the interwar period when Sealey maintained significant market presence in salmon tackle.
The hooks display characteristic Sealey construction with heavy-gauge forged wire, japanned finish, and pronounced limerick bend geometry. The turned-up loop eyes show careful hand-forming typical of pre-automation English hookmaking. These were premium salmon hooks competing directly with Partridge and Allcock’s offerings in the British salmon fishing market.
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Turned-Up Loop Eye | Limerick | Standard Shank | Heavy Wire | Spear Point | Japanned
The S1937 demonstrates Edgar Sealey’s approach to salmon hook engineering, combining forged wire construction for strength with traditional limerick geometry for secure hooking. The turned-up loop eye allows direct line attachment without weakening knots, particularly important for gut leaders common in this era. The heavy wire gauge and forging process create a hook capable of handling large salmon without straightening.
The limerick bend’s angular geometry provides excellent hook-setting mechanics for the long-distance strikes common in salmon fishing, while the deep throat ensures adequate gape clearance when dressed with traditional salmon fly patterns.
Grid-derived from photograph (1/10" grid)
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Edgar Sealey & Sons operated from Redditch, England, the historic center of British hookmaking. The company maintained a strong presence in the salmon and sea trout market, competing with other Redditch manufacturers like Allcock and Bartleet. Sealey hooks were known for consistent quality and traditional construction methods, continuing hand-forming techniques for critical operations like eye formation well into the 20th century.
The company’s use of model codes like ‘S 1937’ indicates an organized catalog system for specific pattern variations, typical of the standardized numbering conventions used by major Redditch producers.
Green label with decorative border and 'OCTOPUS' device logo consistent with 1920s-1940s Sealey packaging. Typography style indicates letterpress printing typical of pre-WWII production. Model code 'S 1937' represents a specific pattern designation within their cataloging convention. No barcode present P — consistent with pre-1974 production. Box construction with simple tuck flaps matches interwar period manufacturing.
The 'Octopus' logo prominently featured on Sealey packaging became their trademark symbol, distinguishing their products in tackle shops throughout the British Empire. The choice of an octopus for a hook company likely referenced the creature's legendary gripping power.
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3103 No. 4 — Mustad-Limerick Hooks | 98% | Compare |
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Designed specifically for Atlantic salmon fishing on British and Irish rivers, these hooks were dressed with traditional fully-dressed salmon patterns like Thunder & Lightning, Jock Scott, and Silver Doctor. The size 4 was particularly versatile, suitable for summer and early autumn conditions when salmon would take smaller flies. The turned-up eye accommodated the heavy gut leaders standard in this era, allowing the fly to swim properly without leader interference.
Sea trout fishing, large lake trout patterns, display flies for competition.
Thunder & Lightning, Jock Scott, Silver Doctor, Black Doctor, Durham Ranger, Green Highlander
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partridge M2 | Very Good | Similar limerick bend and heavy wire, black nickel finish instead of japan, slightly different eye angle |
| Daiichi 7131 | Good | Heavy wire salmon hook with a modified sproat/round bend, turned-up loop eye matching the original style, featuring a modern japanned finish. |
Highly collectible due to classic Redditch heritage and intact original packaging matching the interwar era.
Positive factors: Original labeled box in good condition significantly enhances value. Redditch manufacture appeals to British tackle collectors. The ‘S 1937’ model code provides a clean catalog classification reference. Japanned finish and forged construction represent peak English hookmaking standards.
Limiting factors: Edgar Sealey commands less recognition than Allcock or Partridge among general collectors. Size 4 is common compared to extreme sizes. Some collectors prefer earlier Victorian-era examples.
Small cardboard box with tuck-end closure, kraft brown corrugated construction. Green paper label with black letterpress printing. Decorative chain-link border surrounds text. Central 'OCTOPUS' logo with 'REDDITCH MADE' below. Company name 'EDGAR SEALEY & SONS' prominent. Model 'S1937' and 'Extra Quality FORGED SALMON HOOKS' clearly stated. 'Looped, Turned-up-Eyes' designation. Box holds '100' hooks 'No. 4' size.
Value assumes complete box of 100 with intact label. Individual hooks worth $0.50-1.00 each. Premium for documented year model.
UK auction sites, specialist tackle dealers, British tackle fairs, estate sales in salmon fishing regions.
Sealey hooks can be identified by their distinctive eye forming technique — the loop closure typically sits flat against the shank rather than projecting. The forging pattern often shows pronounced flattening along the bend’s outer edge. When compared to contemporary Partridge or Allcock hooks, Sealey examples often display slightly heavier wire construction for the same nominal size.
Beware of generic Redditch production sometimes attributed to Sealey — authentic examples should show consistent construction details and finish quality throughout a box.
Japanned hooks require careful handling to preserve the lacquer finish. Store in low humidity conditions and avoid contact with solvents or oils that can soften the japan. Unlike bronzed or tinned hooks, japanning can chip if subjected to impact. Original boxes should be stored flat to prevent crushing, and the green labels are susceptible to fading under direct light exposure.
| 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).
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