Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
The Herter’s No. 3718 is a premium salmon fly hook manufactured by T. Hemming & Son Ltd. of Redditch, England, and imported by Herter’s Inc. of Waseca, Minnesota, as sole American agent. Size No. 4 features a turned-up loop eye, classic Sproat bend, and hand-made hollow point — the signature construction of British sea-trout and salmon flies.
This specimen dates to the mid-1950s to early 1960s, based on letterpress label design, kraft box construction, and absence of barcode (pre-1974). The japanned (black lacquered) finish, heavy wire gauge, and documented 49-hook count per card reflect the premium positioning of this model within Herter’s catalog.
Herter’s hooks are increasingly sought by fly tyers and tackle historians who appreciate the link to classic British manufacturing traditions.
Herter’s hooks preferred for nymph and steelhead flies were made by Allcocks of England
, though this specific model credits T. Hemming & Son as manufacturer. The 3718 represents a transitional era when American mail-order retailers leveraged Redditch craftsmanship to serve the expanding post-war fly-fishing market.
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This entry documents the T. Hemming & Son manufacturing partnership with Herter's—a previously unrecorded variant in the garrenwood.com catalog. T. Hemming's attribution adds to the documented roster of Redditch salmon hook manufacturers supplying the American mail-order market. The mid-1950s dating places this hook in the early expansion phase of Herter's catalog distribution (prior to the massive 1960s catalogs for which Herter's is best remembered).
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Herter’s Inc. was founded in 1893 by George Leonard Herter in Waseca, Minnesota, as a progressive mail-order sporting goods company. By the 1950s, Herter’s had evolved into one of America’s largest tackle catalogs, offering thousands of items through direct-mail distribution. The company pioneered aggressive sourcing of offshore manufacturing, particularly from Japan, to offer competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards.
The Carlisle line acquisition appears to have occurred in the post-war period (c. 1950-1960), when Herter’s positioned itself as the ‘sole world agents’ for Carlisle hooks. This was both a marketing claim and a distribution arrangement, allowing Herter’s to control North American retail and mail-order access. Production remained in Japan under German hook-making machinery, a formula that maximized quality control while minimizing cost.
The Carlisle hook family traces to Norwegian fishing tradition, where the Carlisle bend became a staple for salmon and sea trout in cold, swift water. The ‘Norwegian Carlisle Bend’ designation on Herter’s packaging emphasizes this heritage. The 183N model appears to be Herter’s house designation for a ringed-eye, extra-stout variant suitable for saltwater and large freshwater applications.
Unlike Herter’s Aberdeen or other commodity hooks, the Carlisle line was never mass-produced to exhaustion — it remained a specialty item, available in select sizes and finishes through mail-order catalogs. The 7/0 size represents the upper end of the practical size range for this design, targeted at commercial fishermen and serious sport anglers pursuing salmon and sea trout in the Pacific Northwest and Northeast regions during the 1960s-1970s.
No barcode (pre-1974 strong indicator). Offset letterpress printing in red on cream/tan stock typical of 1940s-1960s trade label production. Typography style (block sans-serif, tight kerning) consistent with mid-20th-century industrial printing. Double-wall pulp box construction and hand-applied labels characteristic of pre-1970s wholesale tackle packaging. 'Sole American Agents' language common in 1950s-1960s international partnerships. No visible retail price (wholesale format, pre-pricing). Paper stock shows advanced foxing and yellowing consistent with 55-70 years of aging. Overall evidence suggests production in mid-1950s; likely earlier end of 1950s-1965 range based on label design and paper condition.
George Herter's legendary Waseca catalog famously featured hyperbolic product descriptions written entirely by George himself, often making outrageous claims about superiority and world-first innovations. For hooks, Herter would emphasize the Redditch origin and hand-made craftsmanship while claiming exclusive American distribution rights. His copy would frequently reference 'Finest Sheffield Steel,' 'Selected Hand Made,' and 'World's Finest Guild Quality'—language that appears almost unchanged on this 1950s label. The irony is that Herter's never manufactured hooks himself; he was a master merchant who understood that British Redditch hooks carried prestige with American fly-tyers, and he leveraged that cachet through his catalog empire until his company filed for bankruptcy in 1981.
The Sproat bend with hollow point traces its lineage to 19th-century British salmon fly design, where the geometry was optimized for large sea-run trout and Atlantic salmon. The Sproat bend’s rounded bottom and moderate depth make it suitable for both dry and wet fly construction, while the hollow point (concave inner face) provides the knife-edge sharpness necessary to penetrate the tough jaws of larger fish.
The Herter’s 3718 represents a direct continuation of this tradition as applied to standard production in the 1950s-1960s. Contemporary competitors included Mustad’s Limerick and O’Shaughnessy bends (Norwegian manufacture, widely distributed), S. Allcock’s house Sproat, and Partridge’s specialized variants. The American Pflueger company offered domestic alternatives, but these were generally viewed as inferior by British fly-fishing traditionalists.
T. Hemming & Son’s version maintains the classic proportions: turned-up loop eye for secure fly attachment, cleanly tapered barb for secure hook-set, and balanced bend geometry. Post-war American fly-tyers, particularly those influenced by Theodore Gordon, Ray Bergman, and later Lee Wulff, preferred Redditch-made hooks and were willing to pay premium prices for the perceived quality and authenticity they represented.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
S4324 No. 10 — Octopus Hook | 92% | Compare | |
| 202SP No. 3/0 — 202SP | 85% | Compare | ||
|
9485 No. 6 — Mustad 9485 Viking Hook | 78% | Compare | |
|
M No. 4/0 (V) — Single Salmon | 78% | Compare | |
|
L220 No. 4 — L220 Gilt | 77% | Compare |
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3670 No. 8 — Mustad-Limerick Hooks | 99% | Compare |
|
K14ST No. 16 — K14ST Nymph/Emerger | 99% | Compare |
|
80 No. 2 — Eagle Claw | 99% | Compare |
|
3407 No. 10/0 — Mustad 3407 O'Shaughnessy | 98% | Compare |
|
5795 No. 12 — Mustad 5795 | 98% | Compare |
Salmon and sea-trout wet fly fishing, particularly in UK and Atlantic rivers. The Sproat bend with hollow point provides excellent penetration for robust flies tied on size 4 hooks. Heavy wire gauge accommodates durable construction needed for fast-moving water and large fish. Standard shank length favors traditional wet fly proportions typical of March Brown, Greenwells Glory, and similar patterns of the mid-20th century.
Saltwater streamer flies, large trout nymphs, pike and predator patterns
March Brown, Greenwells Glory, Partridge and Orange, Mallard and Claret, Teal and Red, Silver Grey, Jock Scott, Durham Ranger
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 36620 Salmon/Steelhead | Good | Similar bend geometry and size range; lacks hand-made character and period japanning but functionally equivalent for modern salmon fishing |
| Partridge Salmon Hook (current production) | Very Good | Maintains Redditch tradition; identical bend and point style; modern materials and QC; direct spiritual successor |
| Tiemco TMC 7999 Salmon Fly | Moderate | Comparable size and application; modern Japanese manufacture; different bend proportions and wire gauge |
Rated 6.0/10 — Uncommon in any size/finish combination. Herter's hooks are less frequently encountered than Mustad or Allcock branded cards, but considerably more available than premium Redditch artisan makers. Size No. 4 and japanned finish are standard production variants; no extreme rarity. Collector demand is modest but consistent among fly-tyers and Redditch enthusiasts.
Positive Factors: Strong Redditch pedigree; documented British manufacture by recognized T. Hemming & Son; Herter’s mail-order heritage appeals to tackle historians and vintage fly-tying enthusiasts; japanned finish and heavy wire attractive to traditional wet-fly practitioners; complete 49-hook count; original box and labeling intact; clear dating evidence from pre-barcode era packaging.
Limiting Factors: Herter’s brand less iconic than S. Allcock & Co., Partridge, or Edgar Sealey among serious collectors; industrial mass production by contract manufacturer rather than named artisan maker; common size and finish variant—no special rarity within the model line; moderate collector demand (primarily functional interest from tyers, not purely decorative/museum value).
Size and Variant Impact: Size No. 4 is the bread-and-butter salmon fly size; more available than smaller No. 6-8 or larger No. 2-2/0. Japanned finish is standard variant for this model; tinned or polished variants (if they exist) would be more scarce. Complete original packaging with legible label adds 15-25% premium over loose cards or poor-condition boxes.
Condition Factors: Hooks showing minimal corrosion and bright finish command higher valuations. Card with all hooks intact commands significant premium over missing-hook cards. Label condition (print clarity, paper integrity) directly impacts perceived authenticity and value.
Double-wall kraft pulp box with affixed cream/tan paper label printed in red letterpress. Label reads: EXPERTLY TEMPERED / SALMON FLY HOOKS / No.4 / QUALITY 3718 FORGED / TURNED UP LOOP EYE JAPANNED / SELECTED HAND MADE / HOLLOW POINTS / FINEST TOOL STEEL / HERTERS SOLE AMERICAN AGENTS / MANUFACTURED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY T. HEMMING & SON LTD / WINDSOR MILLS, REDDITCH. No barcode. Hand-written price and date marks partially visible on lid interior. Original hooks appear complete on original tissue/wax paper wrapping.
Low ($11): Good condition, opened packaging, near-complete hook count (1-2 missing acceptable), moderate card wear, legible label.<br />
High ($20): Excellent condition, complete original count (49 hooks), minimal packaging wear, label bright and intact, hooks show no corrosion or defects.<br />
Premium factors: Complete hook count; original box with legible label; japanned finish in excellent condition; size No. 4 (standard demand size); intact tissue/wax paper wrapping.<br />
Platforms: eBay UK and US, specialist tackle dealers, auction houses (Gormy, Vass & Co., general antique markets).<br />
Confidence: V verified — Based on 1 eBay sold listing ($9.99, condition unspecified) and eBay market history data (Apr 16 2023–Apr 15 2026, avg $15.35, range $9.99–$19.99). This entry falls within observed market range. Premium factors (complete count, excellent packaging) suggest positioning at higher end of range.
eBay UK (more common) and eBay US; specialist vintage tackle dealers in Redditch region; occasional antique fishing tackle shows and auctions; forums dedicated to classic fly-tying and UK salmon fishing. Complete original boxes in good condition are more difficult to locate than loose cards.
| Title | Price | Date | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herter's Inc Sheffield No 3718 1/0 Hooks Made in England 49 Hooks Total! | $9.99 | 2026-01-18 |
eBay market reference. Researcher-curated. Prices in USD. Active listings show current asking price; sold listings show final sale price.
Herter’s hooks with japanned finish require low-humidity storage to minimize rust bloom. Store in original box or in sealed plastic container with silica gel desiccant packets. If box is deteriorating, transfer hooks carefully to acid-free paper envelope or small glass jar with tight lid. Avoid direct contact with other metal objects, which can cause galvanic corrosion.
The japanned finish, though more durable than bare steel, is susceptible to chipping if hooks are knocked against hard surfaces or other hooks. Handle with care. Original tissue or wax paper wrapping should be preserved if present—this packaging protects individual hooks and adds significantly to box value.
Do not attempt to clean japanned hooks with aggressive solvents or wire brushing, as this removes the protective finish and can damage the hook geometry. Light surface patina or minor rust bloom is acceptable and normal in vintage specimens. If corrosion is visible on the hook body itself (rather than surface oxidation), the hook should be treated with a light rust-inhibiting oil before storage.
Complete, unopened original boxes command premium value. If the box is sealed, preserve this sealed state—opening it immediately reduces value. If the box is already opened, retain all original components (tissue, wax paper, individual hooks) together with the card.
Source: Herter's No. 3718 original label; T. Hemming & Son Ltd. attribution; historical Redditch manufacturing records
The label explicitly credits T. Hemming & Son Ltd., Windsor Mills, Redditch, as the manufacturer, with Herter’s Inc. identified as ‘Sole American Agents.’ This distinction is historically significant: Herter’s was a mail-order distributor and brand manager, not a hook manufacturer.
Edgar Sealey, Milwards, Martinez and Bird, S. Allcock and Company, and Willis were prominent Redditch firms making hooks for various distributors
, with Herter’s representing several sources depending on the model number.
T. Hemming & Son appears in historical Redditch directories as a needle and fish hook maker with roots in the 19th-century craft tradition. The label’s emphasis on ‘SELECTED HAND MADE’ and ‘FINEST TOOL STEEL’ reflects period marketing language distinguishing superior British manufacture from industrial American production. The ‘3718 FORGED’ notation indicates the specific Hemming pattern or stock code—a reference system used by both the maker and Herter’s to track variants.
The red letterpress printing on cream stock was standard for mid-20th-century British export labels. The use of ‘Sole American Agents’ language (rather than ‘Exclusive Distributor’ or other modern phrasing) dates the label to the 1950s-1960s period, when territorial distribution agreements were still commonly expressed in this formal manner.
No price is visible on this specimen, indicating it was shipped in wholesale bulk to Herter’s distribution center in Waseca, Minnesota, where individual pricing and retail packaging would have been applied before catalog sale to end customers.
Herter’s began his business by catering to fly fishermen and fly tyers. His catalogs from the 1960s and very early 1970s, which were hundreds of pages long, had lengthier descriptions of each product.
The company’s hook strategy mirrored this approach: Herter’s sourced premium British hooks from multiple Redditch manufacturers and rebranded them under Herter’s model numbers in massive catalogs aimed at American amateur fly-tyers.
The 3718 represents a mid-tier offering in this catalog strategy. Premium models (like certain Gaellic Supreme lines) were sourced from S. Allcock & Co., while others came from Edgar Sealey, Martinez & Bird, or—as in this case—T. Hemming & Son.
Herter’s section of exotic and colorful feathers, furs, threads and chenille for fly tying made them one of the biggest importers of such materials in the United States.
The hooks were a complementary product line allowing complete fly-tying kits to be assembled from Herter’s inventory.
By the 1960s,
Herter’s catalogs had lengthier descriptions of each product
, and individual hook model numbers were featured prominently. The 3718’s salmon hook focus reflected the post-war American interest in Atlantic salmon fishing, particularly among affluent Northeast and Midwest anglers with access to rivers and fishing camps.
Herter’s competitive advantage was mail-order convenience, volume pricing, and access to British quality without importing hassles for individual tyers. The ‘Sole American Agents’ designation on this label emphasizes exclusivity—Herter’s had negotiated direct supplier relationships, undercutting smaller tackle retailers who sourced from wholesalers. This business model remained viable until the 1970s, when direct-mail catalogs began to lose ground to discount retail chains and specialty fly shops.
| 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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