Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
The Milward Model 2555T is a vintage brazed treble hook from the legendary Redditch manufacturer H. Milward & Sons, representing early 20th century saltwater tackle engineering. This substantial No. 1 size treble features tapered shank construction and bright steel finish, designed for serious marine angling applications where three-point hooking security was paramount.
Dating to approximately 1900-1930 based on the Victorian-era label design and letterpress printing, this hook exemplifies the period when English manufacturers were pioneering brazed treble construction. The “Iron Arm” sub-brand designation and elaborate packaging graphics reflect Milward’s marketing sophistication during their golden age of tackle production.
As a complete boxed example with original labeling intact, this represents a scarce survivor of early saltwater tackle history. While treble hooks have a more specialized collecting base than single hooks, the combination of Milward’s reputation, the attractive period packaging, and historical significance to saltwater angling development makes this a worthy addition to any vintage tackle collection focused on English manufacturing heritage.
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The brazed construction technique involved carefully soldering the three individual hook points to a central tapered shank, creating a joint stronger than traditional wire-wrapping methods. The tapered shank design reduced drag while trolling and provided a streamlined profile that didn’t interfere with lure action. The bright steel finish offered corrosion resistance suitable for saltwater use while maintaining the sharp points essential for effective hooking.
Grid-derived from photograph (1/10" grid)
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H. Milward & Sons was one of the most prestigious hook manufacturers in Redditch, England, operating from the mid-19th century through the mid-20th century. Founded during the height of Redditch’s dominance as the world center of hook production, Milward established a reputation for innovative designs and superior metallurgy, particularly in the saltwater fishing market.
The company’s “Iron Arm” brand represented their premium line of heavy-duty hooks designed for demanding angling applications. Milward was among the pioneers of brazed treble hook construction, developing soldering techniques that created exceptionally strong joints between the multiple hook points and central shank. Their Redditch factory employed skilled craftsmen who maintained the traditional English standards of hook tempering and finishing that made English hooks the global standard for quality.
The Model 2555T was part of Milward’s specialized treble hook range, designed specifically for saltwater and large freshwater predator fishing during the early decades of the 20th century. This series represented Milward’s response to the growing popularity of trolling and live bait fishing, where the security of multiple hook points was essential for landing powerful fish.
The “Best Brazed” designation indicated Milward’s proprietary soldering technique, which created stronger joints than the wire-wrapping methods used by some competitors. The tapered shank design was an advanced feature that reduced water resistance while maintaining strength, making these trebles particularly effective on trolling lures. Production likely continued through the 1920s before being superseded by more modern treble designs and manufacturing techniques.
The label design features Victorian-era decorative borders with intricate circle patterns typical of early 20th century printing. The typography style and "Best Brazed" terminology are consistent with pre-1930s tackle marketing. The absence of modern postal codes or standardized sizing systems indicates early 20th century production. The yellow paper stock and letterpress printing method are characteristic of the 1900-1930 period.
The "Iron Arm" brand name was inspired by the powerful anvil work required to forge Milward's heavy-duty saltwater hooks. Redditch blacksmiths were renowned for their arm strength, developed through years of shaping red-hot steel with precision hammer blows. Milward's workshop foremen were said to be able to judge hook temper simply by the sound of the hammer striking the anvil.
This treble design evolved from earlier single-hook saltwater patterns, incorporating lessons learned from both English sea angling and emerging American trolling techniques. Milward’s brazed construction represented an advancement over simple wire-tied trebles, influencing later manufacturers to adopt similar soldering methods. The tapered shank concept would later be refined by companies like Mustad and incorporated into modern treble hook designs still used today.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7858 No. 6/0, 5/0, 4/0, 3/0, 2/0, 1/0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 — Mustad 7858 — Carlisle Minnow Hooks | 75% | Compare | ||
|
Trout Taper No. 6 — Trout Taper | 73% | Compare | |
|
3625 No. 12/0 — Mustad 3625 Salmon Hook | 67% | Compare | |
| 77800 — Mustad-Round Hooks | 65% | Compare | ||
| 3203 No. 5/0 — 3203 | 65% | Compare |
This is a specialized saltwater bait treble hook designed for rigging lures and natural baits targeting larger marine species. The tapered shank construction and substantial size made it ideal for trolling applications and live bait rigs where three-point hooking security was essential. The “brazed” construction refers to the soldered joint where the three hook points meet the central shank, providing exceptional strength for powerful fish. PI
Large freshwater predator fishing, pike and muskie lures
Not typically used for fly tying
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 35647 | Good | Similar size and strength, modern manufacturing |
| Owner ST-36 | Moderate | Comparable application, different construction method |
Scarce early Milward treble with attractive period packaging and historical significance to saltwater angling development.
This early Milward treble hook represents an important period in the development of saltwater tackle, when English manufacturers were pioneering brazed treble construction for marine angling. The complete original packaging with its distinctive Victorian-era label design adds considerable collecting appeal. The “Iron Arm” sub-brand and elaborate decorative borders make this a visually striking piece of tackle history.
Limiting factors include the specialized nature of treble hooks, which have a smaller collecting base than single hooks, and the fact that Milward trebles, while well-made, are less iconic than the company’s salmon and trout hooks. The condition of both hook and packaging will significantly impact value, with the paper label being particularly fragile.
Small rectangular cardboard box with bright yellow printed label featuring elaborate decorative border of interlocking circles. Label text in black serif typeface reads 'Best BRAZED, TREBLE Tapered. THE IRON ARM. 1/4 Gross. No. 1 Quality No. 2555T.' Features small anvil and hammer illustration. Box shows age staining but label remains legible. Classic early 20th century letterpress printing on heavy paper stock.
Value driven primarily by complete original packaging. Loose hooks worth significantly less. Premium for mint condition labels.
English tackle fairs, specialist vintage fishing auctions, occasionally on eBay UK
| 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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