Redditch, England | Highest Grade | Hand Forged | Turn-down-eye | Fine Points | Reversed

Hook Reference

Edgar Sealey & Sons S 4324 H.E. – Additional Info

1. Identification

• Brand: Edgar Sealey & Sons, Ltd. (Redditch, England)
• Model/Code: S 4324 H.E. “Octopus” Brand
• Size: 10
• Estimated Era: 1940s–1950s.
  • Reasoning: The specific green paper label with the detailed “Octopus” logo and the “Ltd” designation places it in the mid-century golden era of Redditch manufacturing. Later packaging (late 60s/70s) often moved to plastic “bubble” packs or simplified typography after the Gladding acquisition.

2. Technical Specifications

• Eye: Turn-down-eye (TDE).
• Wire: Standard / Forged (Label indicates “Hand Forged” which implies a standard to heavy wire flattened for strength).
• Shank/Bend: Standard wet fly shank with a Reversed point.
  • Note: “Reversed” indicates the point is offset (Kirbed) relative to the shank. This was done to increase the hook-up ratio, preventing the hook from sliding flat out of a fish’s mouth.
• Finish: Bronzed (The standard finish for Sealey “Highest Grade” hooks of this era, unless “Japanned” is specified).

3. Historical Context

Edgar Sealey & Sons was one of the titans of the Redditch tackle industry, located in Worcestershire, England—historically known as the “Needle and Hook Capital of the World.” Alongside Allcock and Partridge, Sealey produced high-carbon steel hooks that were exported globally.

The “Octopus” trademark was their premium line, symbolizing holding power (like the tentacles of an octopus). This specific model, the S 4324, is a classic “Holding” pattern. The “Hand Forged” designation is significant; it means the round wire was hammered flat along the bend. This process, known as forging, significantly increased the tensile strength of the hook, preventing it from straightening out on a large fish.

• Fun Fact: While famous for hooks, Edgar Sealey & Sons is perhaps best remembered by British coarse anglers for their split cane (bamboo) rods, specifically the “Octofloat.” The same “Octopus” branding seen on this box appeared on some of the finest float rods of the mid-20th century.

4. Usage & Equivalents

Best Used For:

• Vintage Wet Flies: The Size 10 is excellent for classic lake wet flies (e.g., Mallard & Claret, Invicta).
• Bait Fishing: Because of the “Reversed” (offset) point, this hook is actually superior for bait fishing (worms or corn) compared to modern fly hooks, as the offset helps cam the hook into the corner of the mouth.

Modern Equivalent: Finding a modern fly hook with a reversed point is difficult, as modern fly tiers generally dislike them (they can cause a fly to spin in the water).

• Closest Fly Hook: Mustad 3906 or Tiemco 3769 (These match the wet fly profile and heavy wire, though they lack the offset bend).
• Closest Functional Equivalent: Kamasan B175 (Heavy traditional trout hook, extremely strong, similar “Redditch” shape).